Thunder vs. Timberwolves: Game 4 Brings the Heat in Western Conference Showdown
Buckle up, NBA fans. The stakes are sky-high as the Oklahoma City Thunder hit the road to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals this Monday. With the Thunder clinging to a 2-1 series lead, things are heating up—fast.
If you thought Game 3 was wild, you’re not alone. The Timberwolves came out like a pack of hungry wolves—pun fully intended—and dismantled the Thunder in a jaw-dropping 143-101 blowout. That margin wasn’t just impressive; it was historic. It marked the worst playoff loss in Thunder franchise history.
And while that result stunned OKC fans, it also served as a powerful wake-up call.
So, what exactly went down in Game 3?
Let’s talk dominance.
Minnesota exploded offensively, with Anthony Edwards torching OKC for 30 points in just three quarters. His performance was all gas, no brakes. But he didn’t carry the load alone—Julius Randle chipped in 24 points, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. added a spark off the bench with 15. In total, seven Timberwolves players hit double figures, showcasing some serious depth.
Meanwhile, the Thunder? They looked rattled and a bit too comfortable with their 2-0 lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s been the heart and soul of OKC this postseason, was held to a quiet 14 points. The energy just wasn’t there. The defense sagged. The offense sputtered. And the Timberwolves pounced.
Flash forward to Game 4 – Can OKC bounce back?
Fast-forward to Game 4, and you could feel the tension right from tip-off. But this time, the Thunder came out swinging.
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End of 1st Quarter: Thunder 37, Timberwolves 30
A noticeable shift in strategy. OKC went small-ball and saw instant results. Their outside shooting finally started falling, and the energy was buzzing. Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams provided that much-needed spark from the bench, helping to counteract Minnesota’s aggressive game plan. -
Midway through 2nd Quarter: Thunder 53, Timberwolves 44
Terrence Shannon Jr. kept making noise for the Timberwolves, continuing his hot streak. But the Thunder didn’t back down. Lu Dort’s defense remained gritty, and OKC leaned into its hustle game. Kenrich Williams once again played his role to perfection.
Let’s not overlook Rudy Gobert's early rim protection, especially with a block on Chet Holmgren's dunk attempt in the opening minutes. It was a tone-setter. But Holmgren responded by sticking with it and making defensive plays of his own. This kid doesn’t fold.
What’s the vibe on the floor?
The mood? Electric.
Minnesota fans came alive after that Game 3 massacre, and the Target Center has been bouncing ever since. But don’t count the Thunder out. If anything, that embarrassing Game 3 loss lit a fire under them. They’re hungry to reclaim control.
Both teams know the importance of this pivotal Game 4. If OKC wins, they go up 3-1 and head home with a shot to close it out. If the Timberwolves defend their home court again, we’ve got ourselves a tied series and momentum swinging their way.
Let’s talk lineups
No major surprises from either squad in the starting five:
Thunder
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Lu Dort
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Jalen Williams
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Chet Holmgren
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Isaiah Hartenstein
Timberwolves
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Anthony Edwards
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Mike Conley
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Jaden McDaniels
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Julius Randle
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Rudy Gobert
It’s the same group that’s been duking it out all series, but what really matters are the rotations and who steps up off the bench. Keep your eye on Shannon Jr. for Minnesota and Kenrich Williams for OKC. Both are turning heads with their hustle plays.
Key takeaways so far
Here’s what’s stood out through Game 4’s early moments:
🔥 The Thunder's small-ball adjustment is working.
They’re creating better spacing and finally hitting shots they missed in Game 3.
🔥 Minnesota’s depth is showing out.
Seven players scoring in double figures in Game 3 wasn’t a fluke. The Timberwolves bench is deep, and that could be a game-changer down the stretch.
🔥 Role players are everything.
This series is being shaped not just by the stars but by the supporting cast. When guys like Shannon Jr. or Williams are thriving, momentum shifts quickly.
Need to watch the game?
Here’s how you can catch the action:
📺 TV Channel: ESPN
🕢 Start Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
📱 Streaming: Live coverage available on FuboTV (they’re offering a free trial if you're new)
Injury updates – who’s in and who’s out?
It’s mostly good news on the injury front:
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Thunder: Nikola Topic (torn ACL) remains out. No other injuries reported.
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Timberwolves: Clean slate. Everyone’s available and ready to roll.
That means both teams are practically at full strength, which sets the stage for high-intensity basketball.
Looking ahead – Thunder’s remaining playoff schedule
For fans planning ahead or thinking big-picture, here’s what’s next in the series (if needed):
📅 Wednesday, May 28 – vs. Timberwolves (Game 5, in OKC)
📅 Friday, May 30 – at Timberwolves* (Game 6, if necessary)
📅 Sunday, June 1 – vs. Timberwolves* (Game 7, if necessary)
(*If required)
Final thoughts
This Western Conference Finals series has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Game 3 was a beatdown. Game 4? It’s shaping up to be a battle.
OKC knows it let one slip away on Saturday night, and they’re not interested in letting the Timberwolves tie things up. Meanwhile, Minnesota is oozing confidence, with guys like Edwards and Shannon Jr. playing like seasoned veterans.
Who’s got the edge? That depends on whether the Thunder can rediscover their groove and put Game 3 in the rearview mirror—or if the Timberwolves can keep the pressure on and defend their house once again.
Either way, buckle in. This series has "classic" written all over it. And Game 4 might just be the turning point we’ll all remember.
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