Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in a thrilling Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday.

The NBA NVP-nominee finished the night with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. The win gives the Thunder a 3-1 series lead, placing them just one victory away from the NBA Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant display, which included a perfect 12-for-14 from the free-throw line, was complemented by Jalen Williams’ 34-point effort.

Williams shot 13-for-24 from the field, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.

Holmgren’s performance, particularly in his hometown, proved crucial as the Thunder overcame multiple attempts by the Timberwolves to tie the series.

Despite Minnesota’s push to force a Game 5, the Thunder showed resilience, with Gilgeous-Alexander sinking two free throws with 6.1 seconds remaining to extend the lead.

A deliberate miss from Anthony Edwards’ free throw in the final moments failed to set up a last-ditch effort, as Gilgeous-Alexander seized the ball and drained the clock.

“Their players got to their spots and rose up to make shots,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. “We need to contain that first dribble better, like we did in Game 3.”

The Timberwolves, led by Edwards' 16 points, were outplayed and out-rebounded, with Julius Randle contributing just five points on 1-for-7 shooting. Edwards acknowledged the Thunder’s superior effort: “They wanted it a little more.”

With the win, the Thunder will head back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Wednesday, where they will have the chance to seal their NBA Finals berth.