The orange ball rises again at the Target Center in Minneapolis, where the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder engage in a fierce battle in game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Updated minutes ago, the game is in the third quarter, with the score at 64-68 in favor of the Thunder. After a significant loss in game 3, the Timberwolves fight to level the series, while the Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aim to maintain their lead. The tension on the court is palpable, with decisive plays marking every possession.
The matchup, which began at 8:30 PM on Monday, reflects the intensity of a series alternating between moments of dominance and balance. In the first quarter, the Thunder took the lead with 37-30, driven by Jalen Williams’ threes and Shai’s layups. In the second, the Timberwolves fought back but couldn’t overtake, ending at 57-65. The Minneapolis crowd roars with every basket, as both teams display physical preparation and well-defined strategies
Key moments of the game so far include:
- Mike Conley’s three-pointer, reigniting hope for the Wolves in the third quarter.
- Anthony Edwards’ layup, keeping the score close.
- Chet Holmgren’s block, a defensive highlight for the Thunder in the second quarter.
- Isaiah Hartenstein’s dunk, energizing the crowd early in the second quarter.
Third quarter highlights
In the third quarter, the game grew even more thrilling. With the score at 64-68, the Thunder hold the lead, but the Timberwolves apply pressure. Mike Conley hit a crucial three, narrowing the gap to four points, prompting the OKC coach to call a timeout. Anthony Edwards, after a memorable game 3 with 30 points, remains a centerpiece, scoring a layup and showing aggression on offense. Rudy Gobert also contributed with a layup, bolstering the Wolves’ presence in the paint.
Conversely, the Thunder respond with efficiency. Alex Caruso opened the second half with a three, solidifying the lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite fewer minutes in game 3, continues to shine, with free throws and plays that keep OKC ahead. The Thunder’s defense, led by Holmgren, poses a challenge for the Timberwolves, who seek greater consistency in long-range shooting.
The exchange of baskets keeps the game unpredictable. Every possession is fiercely contested, and coaches adjust strategies on the fly. The crowd, packing the Target Center, creates an electrifying atmosphere, with cheers echoing at every defensive stop or scored point.
Momentos-chave do jogo até agora incluem:
- Tripla de Mike Conley, que reacendeu a esperança dos Wolves no terceiro período.
- Bandeja de Anthony Edwards, mantendo o placar próximo.
- Toco de Chet Holmgren, destaque defensivo do Thunder no segundo período.
- Cravada de Isaiah Hartenstein, levantando a torcida no início do segundo quarto.
Timberwolves’ reaction after game 3
Last Saturday, the Timberwolves dominated game 3 with a crushing victory, holding a 37-point lead by the end of the third quarter. The final score reflected the home team’s superiority, exploiting the Thunder’s defensive lapses. Anthony Edwards was the standout, scoring 30 of the team’s 143 points, with plays including a spectacular dunk that ignited the crowd.
Saturday’s performance boosted Minnesota’s morale, entering game 4 with the mission to tie the series. The starting lineup, featuring Edwards, Gobert, Conley, McDaniels, and Randle, shows chemistry, but the rotation also relies on players like Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, who bring energy off the bench. Coach Chris Finch’s strategy is clear: pressure the paint and seek mid- and long-range shots to open up the game.
Terrence Shannon Jr.’s performance in game 3 also stands out. The rookie, with just 20 playoff minutes before Saturday, earned rotation time and surprised with layups and free throws, gaining Finch’s trust. His second-quarter entry in game 4, with a three and a layup, underscores the Timberwolves’ roster depth.
Thunder’s strength and Shai’s brilliance
Oklahoma City remains unfazed after the game 3 loss. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, named the 2024/25 season MVP, continues to drive the team. Despite playing only 28 minutes in the last game, he maintains impressive averages: 27.7 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. In game 4, Shai has already hit threes, layups, and free throws, showcasing versatility and composure in clutch moments.
Beyond Shai, Chet Holmgren has been pivotal. The center, known for his defensive skills, recorded blocks and dunks that lift the Thunder’s spirit. His presence in the paint hinders the Timberwolves’ drives, particularly from players like Edwards and Gobert. Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort also contribute with threes and physical plays, keeping OKC competitive.
The Thunder’s rotation, led by coach Mark Daigneault, emphasizes speed and three-point shooting. Players like Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe, who hit threes in the second quarter, highlight the roster’s depth. OKC’s strategy is evident: sustain defensive intensity and capitalize on fast breaks to catch the Timberwolves off guard.
Key second-quarter moments
The second quarter saw swings in the score and impactful plays. The Thunder started strong, fueled by a Holmgren dunk and a Kenrich Williams three. However, the Timberwolves responded aggressively. Alexander-Walker hit a three with an Edwards assist, while Hartenstein scored a dunk that rallied the crowd.
Fouls also shaped the game’s rhythm. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew fouls from Randle and DiVincenzo, converting free throws that kept OKC ahead. Conversely, Edwards and Gobert also went to the free-throw line, helping the Wolves close the gap. The quarter ended at 57-65, with the Thunder still leading, but Minnesota showing signs of a comeback.
Notable plays that defined the second quarter:
- Cason Wallace’s three, forcing Minnesota to call a timeout.
- Hartenstein’s dunk, reinforcing the Wolves’ paint presence.
- Holmgren’s block, thwarting a Minnesota attack.
- Shai’s layup, preserving the Thunder’s lead.
- Shannon Jr.’s three, highlighting the impact of reserves.
Series history up to game 4
The Timberwolves-Thunder series has been marked by balance and offensive explosions. In game 1, the Thunder won on the road, with Shai leading the charge. In game 2, the Timberwolves fought back, but OKC secured the victory with a solid defense in the final minutes. Game 3, however, was a turning point, with Minnesota dominating and proving the Target Center is a decisive factor.
The current matchup, game 4, is critical. A Timberwolves win ties the series at 2-2, while a Thunder victory puts OKC one step from the NBA Finals. The rivalry between the two teams, who have faced off in past playoffs, adds further weight to the duel.
Series stats highlight both teams’ offensive prowess:
- Timberwolves: averaging 115.3 points per game, with 42% three-point shooting.
- Thunder: averaging 117.7 points, with a 38% three-point accuracy.
- Key matchups: Edwards vs. Shai and Gobert vs. Holmgren.
Impact of bench players
Beyond the starters, bench players have made a difference. For the Timberwolves, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Naz Reid bring energy and scoring in crucial moments. Shannon, especially after game 3, gained prominence, and his second-quarter three in game 4 reinforces his value. Reid, with layups and rebounds, complements Gobert’s work in the paint.
For the Thunder, Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace are lethal from beyond the arc. Joe hit a three in the first quarter, while Wallace surprised with a three that forced a Minnesota timeout. Kenrich Williams, with points and rebounds, also bolsters OKC’s rotation, which maintains pace despite frequent substitutions.
Roster depth is a determining factor. Both coaches trust their rotations, allowing sustained intensity over 48 minutes. The ability of players like Shannon and Joe to score in key moments could decide game 4’s outcome.
Tactical strategies on the court
Chris Finch, the Timberwolves’ coach, has leaned on aggressive perimeter defense to limit the Thunder’s threes. Offensively, Minnesota targets the paint with Gobert and Randle, while freeing Edwards for drives. Ball movement, with assists from Conley and Alexander-Walker, is also a weapon to create space.
Mark Daigneault, meanwhile, prioritizes fast breaks and long-range shooting. The Thunder’s defense, anchored by Holmgren and Caruso, focuses on blocking Edwards’ drives and forcing Minnesota errors. Shai, with his playmaking ability, orchestrates the offense, while Dort and Jalen Williams bring physical intensity.
Fouls have been a point of concern. In the second quarter, both teams racked up infractions, with free throws shaping the score. Defensive discipline will be critical in the third and fourth quarters, especially with the game so close.
Atmosphere at the Target Center
The Target Center is packed, with Timberwolves fans creating a hostile environment for the Thunder. Banners, chants, and applause resonate with every play, especially when Edwards or Gobert score. The crowd has been an extra factor, as evident in game 3, when fan support propelled Minnesota to victory.
The Thunder, accustomed to road games, stay focused. Shai and Holmgren, in particular, seem comfortable under pressure, responding with key baskets. However, the crowd’s energy could influence the game’s rhythm, especially if the Timberwolves manage to close the score gap.
Numbers defining the game
The matchup has been marked by offensive efficiency and critical defensive moments. So far in game 4, the Timberwolves have hit 41% of their shots, while the Thunder are at 44%. Threes are a differentiator, with OKC converting 10 of 22 attempts, compared to 7 of 19 for the Wolves.
Other relevant stats:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 12 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds through the third quarter.
- Anthony Edwards: 10 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
- Rebounds: Timberwolves 22, Thunder 20.
- Fouls: 12 for each team, impacting free throws.
- Blocks: Holmgren with 2, Gobert with 1.
Expectations for the rest of the game
With the score at 64-68 in the third quarter, game 4 remains up for grabs. The Timberwolves need to sustain offensive pressure and improve perimeter defense to counter the Thunder’s threes. Edwards and Conley are key to leading the comeback, while Gobert must dominate rebounds for second-chance opportunities.
The Thunder, meanwhile, rely on Shai’s consistency and Holmgren’s defense to hold the lead. Players like Dort and Jalen Williams need to keep contributing offensively, while the bench, with Joe and Wallace, maintains the pace. The fourth quarter promises to be thrilling, with both teams battling for every possession.