Record-Breaking Performance: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-Point Masterclass Puts Thunder on Brink of NBA Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned NBA MVP, delivered a spectacular performance Monday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff career-high 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a nail-biting 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

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Alongside 10 assists and nine rebounds, SGA’s near triple-double effort helped the Thunder take a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.

After a crushing 42-point loss in Game 3 where Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 14 points, the Thunder’s star guard responded emphatically. He methodically attacked the Timberwolves’ defense, scoring 19 points in the second half and converting 12 of 14 free throws, including clutch shots in the final seconds that sealed the victory.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren after Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Thunder’s Trio Dominates

SGA was not alone in carrying the Thunder’s offense. Jalen Williams contributed 34 points, knocking down six of nine three-pointers, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in a statement performance in his hometown of Minneapolis. Together, the trio combined for 95 points, overpowering Minnesota’s offense.

Defensively, Oklahoma City held the Timberwolves’ stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle to a combined 21 points on poor shooting nights—Edwards managed just 16 points on 13 shots, and Randle was limited to five points on 1-of-7 shooting. The Thunder’s disciplined defense forced Minnesota into 21 turnovers, disrupting their rhythm and limiting second-chance opportunities.

Thunder Poised to Close Out Series at Home

With the series shifting back to Oklahoma City, the Thunder hold a 3-1 advantage and are just 48 minutes away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years. Their combination of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and mental toughness has made them the team to beat in the West.

SGA’s dominant Game 4 performance not only silenced critics after the Game 3 blowout but also cemented his status as the leader of a young, resilient Thunder team. His ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage, along with the supporting cast’s contributions, gives Oklahoma City a clear path to potentially ending their long Finals drought.