With their backs against the wall and the pressure mounting, the Thunder showed the heart of a true contender. Facing the possibility of a devastating 3-1 series deficit, Oklahoma City battled for every possession, every loose ball, and every rebound. It wasn’t perfect — at times it was scrappy, chaotic, and nerve-wracking — but it was exactly what playoff basketball demands.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the undisputed hero of the night. From the moment the ball was tipped, SGA played with an intensity that set the tone for his teammates. He poured in 32 points, weaving through defenders with smooth drives and sinking mid-range jumpers with ease. Whenever OKC needed a basket, Gilgeous-Alexander answered, often against suffocating defense.
But this was not a one-man show. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren provided the critical support that kept OKC afloat during some tough stretches. Williams, known for his poise beyond his years, dropped 22 points and hit a vital three-pointer with under two minutes remaining. Holmgren, the rookie big man, anchored the defense with three blocks, including a massive rejection in the final minute that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The game itself was a roller coaster. After jumping out to an early lead, the Thunder saw it vanish in the third quarter as their opponents mounted a strong comeback. Turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the opposition to briefly take control, and it looked as though OKC might let the game slip away. But instead of folding, the young Thunder regrouped.
Coach Mark Daigneault called a critical timeout midway through the fourth quarter, settling his squad and reminding them of the stakes. From that moment forward, OKC tightened up defensively, forced several crucial stops, and made their free throws under pressure.
One of the night’s most memorable plays came with just over a minute left. After a defensive scramble, Lu Dort found himself alone in the corner and calmly drained a three-pointer to push the Thunder’s lead to five. The shot sent a jolt of energy through the team and the arena, and OKC never looked back.
In the final seconds, the Thunder locked down defensively, contesting every shot and controlling the boards. Even as their opponents attempted a frantic comeback with a pair of late three-point attempts, OKC stayed disciplined and sealed the victory at the free-throw line.
This win not only ties the series at 2-2 but also reignites Oklahoma City’s hopes of advancing. A 3-1 deficit would have been a near-impossible climb; instead, the Thunder head home for Game 5 with momentum and belief firmly on their side.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander summed it up perfectly: “This was a character win. We believe in ourselves, and tonight we showed why.”
With the series now effectively a best-of-three, OKC has a golden opportunity to seize control. If Game 4 was any indication, they are ready for the challenge.
