Oklahoma City put their embarrassing Game 3 collapse firmly in the rear-view mirror on Monday night, bouncing back with a pulsating 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals. It was a response befitting a championship contender — composed, relentless and led by their superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped a playoff career-high 40 points in a performance that silenced the home crowd and set the tone for a potentially series-clinching Game 5.
The Thunder were brilliant from the opening tip. Their defence swarmed Minnesota early, forcing seven first-quarter turnovers and holding Anthony Edwards to zero field goal attempts until the final 30 seconds of the period. Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, reasserted himself as the best player in the series, scoring 13 points in the first 12 minutes and orchestrating OKC’s offence with a poise and purpose that had been completely absent in Game 3.
After being humbled by a 42-point loss just two days earlier, the Thunder came out looking like the team that had swept through earlier playoff rounds with ease — and their stars delivered when it mattered.
Stars Shine Bright for Oklahoma City
Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t alone in Oklahoma City’s resurgence. Jalen Williams exploded for 34 points, five assists and three steals, while Chet Holmgren chipped in with 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks — his best all-around showing of the series. The trio combined for 95 points and repeatedly hit clutch shots to halt Timberwolves rallies at crucial moments.
Williams’ third-quarter scoring flurry and Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim proved decisive. And when Minnesota surged to within two points late in the fourth, it was Williams who knocked down a cold-blooded three-pointer — fed by a jaw-dropping, falling assist through the legs of a defender by Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA sealed the game with five clutch free throws in the final 14.5 seconds. The “free-throw merchant” chants from Timberwolves fans did little to distract him as he calmly iced the contest at the line, finishing with 12-of-14 shooting from the stripe.
Timberwolves’ Stars Fade Under Pressure
By contrast, the Timberwolves’ main contributors failed to match the moment. Edwards, who had been electric in Game 3, looked overwhelmed by the Thunder’s defensive scheme and the physical presence of Luguentz Dort. The OKC stopper shadowed Edwards relentlessly, limiting him to just 13 shot attempts and holding him to 16 points on the night.
Julius Randle had an even rougher outing, finishing with just five points and a 1-of-7 shooting line in what was arguably his poorest playoff performance in a Timberwolves jersey.
Minnesota found sparks off the bench thanks to Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo, who combined for 44 points and 10 three-pointers, but their efforts were not enough to make up for the lack of output from the starting five — or the 21 turnovers that ultimately proved costly.
Betting Recap – America Bet Tips Performance
Let’s revisit how our pre-game betting tips performed from the original preview on America Bet:
- Minnesota Timberwolves to Win – ❌
- Anthony Edwards Over 25.5 Points – ❌
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 Assists – ✅ (10 assists)
- Julius Randle Over 18.5 Points – ❌
- Over 219.5 Total Points – ✅ (254 total)
- First Quarter Winner – Minnesota Timberwolves – ❌ (OKC led 37-30)
- Terrence Shannon Jr. Over 9.5 Points – ❌ (played limited minutes)
- Anthony Edwards to Score First Basket – ❌
- Oklahoma City Thunder Under 110.5 Points – ❌ (128 scored)
- Minnesota Timberwolves -4.5 Handicap – ❌
A difficult night for our Timberwolves-focused selections, but props go to those who backed the over total points and SGA assist line — both of which hit comfortably. Our prediction of a closer contest than Game 3 was bang on, and the score forecast of Oklahoma City 106 – 114 Minnesota proved reasonably aligned with the high-scoring nature of the matchup.
Thunder On the Brink
With a 3-1 series lead and Game 5 set for Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City now stand just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. The transformation from Game 3’s debacle to Game 4’s defensive masterclass speaks volumes about the resilience and maturity of this young squad.
Minnesota, on the other hand, face elimination. They’ll need a flawless performance — and a return to form for Edwards and Randle — to keep their season alive. Their Game 4 defeat wasn’t for lack of effort, but rather for the lack of execution in the key moments where champions are made.
For full betting previews and more NBA playoff content, visit America Bet — your home for expert predictions, analysis and winning insight.
