NBA playoff: MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to victory over Timberwolves; team one win away from the NBA finals
By : Sandhya
In Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead and moving within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned MVP, delivered a stellar performance with 40 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists, marking his best playoff game to date. His leadership was pivotal in Oklahoma City's response to a 42-point loss in Game 3.
Jalen Williams contributed 34 points, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points, showcasing the Thunder's young talent.
The game also featured a unique family matchup, with Gilgeous-Alexander facing his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Timberwolves. Reflecting on the experience, Gilgeous-Alexander said, "It's stuff we've dreamt about for our whole lives."
Minnesota's Anthony Edwards struggled, scoring 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Despite criticism, Edwards maintained, "I don't think I struggled... I made the right play all night."
The Thunder's strategic decision to foul while leading by three points in the final seconds sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some calling for a rule change to preserve the excitement of late-game situations. This tactic, though legal, reignited debates among fans and analysts about potential rule changes to preserve the excitement of late-game situations.
Game 5 is set to take place in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will aim to clinch the series and secure their spot in the NBA Finals.