Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Stars As OKC Thunder Inch Closer To NBA Finals

Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 09:44 IST

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City Thunder beat Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 and take a 3-1 edge and moving them closer to the NBA Finals.

NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City Thunder beat Minnesota Timberwolves (AP)

NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an exceptional performance, leading Oklahoma City to a 128-126 victory over Minnesota on Monday, pushing the Thunder to the brink of the NBA Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff career-high of 40 points, along with 10 assists and nine rebounds, propelling the Thunder to a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals. Game five, which could secure their spot in the Finals, is scheduled for Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

“Play to our identity on both ends of the floor — if we do that we’ll be just fine," Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If not, it could get ugly. So we’ve just got to be who we are and trust our work and trust our habits."

Jalen Williams added 34 points, shooting 6-of-9 from three-point range, while Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points for the Thunder.

“They were amazing tonight," said Gilgeous-Alexander regarding the duo. “They were confident. They weren’t rattled by the moment. There’s so much to say about the work they put in, the effort, and the character those two guys have. They deserve these moments. I’m nothing but proud of these two."

The Thunder have not reached the NBA Finals since losing to Miami in 2012, while the Timberwolves have never advanced to the championship series.

Minnesota’s reserves Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo led with 23 and 21 points respectively, while Jaden McDaniels added 22 points. Star guard Anthony Edwards, heavily guarded throughout the night, managed only 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

“They are a really good team," said Gilgeous-Alexander. “You try and do a good job on their main guys and their B, C, and D guys get off. You’ve got to try and do the job all the way around. It’s harder than it looks."

The Timberwolves turned the ball over 21 times and allowed the Thunder 19 offensive rebounds.

“You’re not going to beat a team like this if you are turning it over 20-plus times and letting them have a bunch of second-chance opportunities, and we knew that," said Minnesota coach Chris Finch.

Oklahoma City won the first two games at home, but Minnesota routed the Thunder in game three, setting up an intense game four.

Both teams were physical and aggressive, with hot shooting from the start. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams each scored 13 points in the first quarter, giving the Thunder a 37-30 lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander was 5-of-6 from the floor while Williams was 5-of-8 and 3-of-5 from three-point range.

The Timberwolves shot 12-of-19 and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first quarter but committed seven turnovers, with Edwards not taking a shot until the final 35 seconds.

Gilgeous-Alexander had 21 points in the first half as Oklahoma City led 65-57 at halftime, while Edwards had taken only two shots and Minnesota had committed 13 turnovers.

The Thunder extended their lead to 68-57 early in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves responded with a 9-0 run, including four points from Rudy Gobert, reducing the lead to 90-85 entering the fourth quarter.

Jaden McDaniels hit a three-pointer with 23 seconds remaining, bringing Minnesota within 123-121, but Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws, extending the lead to five with 14 seconds left.

Gobert’s rebound putback cut the gap to 125-123 with nine seconds remaining, but Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s scoring champion, made 1-of-2 free throws, leaving Minnesota three points shy with eight seconds left.

Minnesota’s Naz Reid made two free throws, but Gilgeous-Alexander was fouled and sank two free throws, giving the Thunder a 128-125 lead.

Edwards was fouled with 3.5 seconds remaining, made the first free throw, then intentionally missed the second, but Gilgeous-Alexander threw the ball down the court and out of bounds with 0.3 seconds left.

A desperate inbounds play failed, and the Thunder secured a hard-fought victory.

(With inputs from AFP)

Watch CNN-News18 here. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

News sports Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Stars As OKC Thunder Inch Closer To NBA Finals