The Oklahoma City Thunder showed heart, resilience, and depth today, bouncing back in a crucial Game 4 to tie the series 2-2 against the Denver Nuggets. In a gritty 92-87 victory, the Thunder leaned not only on their superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but also on a huge effort from their bench, setting the stage for what’s now a best-of-three showdown as the series heads back to Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again delivered when the Thunder needed him most. The MVP candidate put together a strong all-around game, finishing with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Though Denver threw multiple defenders at him, SGA remained composed, picking his spots, drawing fouls, and making key plays down the stretch. His 8-of-19 shooting line didn’t tell the whole story — it was his leadership and late-game poise that helped OKC seal the win.
However, today’s story wasn’t just about the Thunder’s star. It was the supporting cast that truly turned the tide.
Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso combined for a massive spark off the bench, scoring 32 points together and knocking down 8 of the Thunder’s 10 made three-pointers. In a defensive slugfest where points were at a premium, their timely shooting and energy plays made all the difference.
Wiggins attacked fearlessly, Wallace continued to showcase his fearless rookie mentality, and Caruso, the veteran presence, provided crucial defensive stops and smart shot-making. Their combined effort gave OKC the edge it needed in a game where neither team could find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Head coach Mark Daigneault praised the trio postgame, emphasizing how critical their impact was. (See Slide 4 for his full breakdown.) Daigneault highlighted their ability to not only make shots but also to shift momentum defensively, taking some pressure off SGA and the starting unit. “Those guys changed the game,” Daigneault said. “Their poise, their effort, their willingness to do whatever it took — that’s why we won today.”
Defensively, the Thunder were outstanding. Holding the defending champions to just 87 points speaks volumes. OKC’s aggressive switching, active hands, and rim protection kept Denver — and Nikola Jokić — in check throughout the game. Every possession was a battle, but the Thunder’s youthful energy and discipline carried them through.
On Denver’s side, Jokić and Jamal Murray combined for strong individual efforts, but the Thunder’s defensive rotations and physicality disrupted the Nuggets’ usual flow. Oklahoma City managed to out-rebound and out-hustle Denver in key stretches, particularly in the fourth quarter when every possession mattered.
As the series heads back to a raucous Paycom Center for Game 5, the momentum has clearly swung. With SGA leading the charge and the bench proving its value, the Thunder are not just surviving — they are thriving.
It’s all tied up. The crowd in OKC will be ready. And if today was any indication, the Thunder are more than ready for the fight ahead.
