On May 26, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a narrow 128–126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Jalen Williams contributed 34 points, including six three-pointers, and Chet Holmgren added 21 points and three blocks in his hometown of Minneapolis. Despite a strong 64-point contribution from Minnesota’s bench, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves struggled with turnovers and rebounding, committing 23 turnovers and allowing 19 offensive rebounds. The Thunder’s resilience and offensive prowess proved decisive in this closely contested matchup.
The game was particularly significant for the Gilgeous-Alexander family, as cousins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker faced off on the playoff stage. Both hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, the cousins shared a deep bond, having grown up together and even shared a bedroom during high school. While Shai led the Thunder with his impressive performance, Nickeil stood out for the Timberwolves, contributing significantly off the bench. The matchup was a dream come true for both players, highlighting their journey from shared childhood aspirations to competing against each other in the NBA playoffs.
The Timberwolves’ star players, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, struggled offensively, combining for just 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting. Despite a late surge with a 41-point fourth quarter, Minnesota’s efforts fell short. The Thunder capitalized on the Timberwolves’ mistakes, with their aggressive defense and efficient offense making the difference. With the series shifting back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Thunder are poised to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012
credits:https://www.nba.com/games?date=2025-05-26
