Watch our in-depth Game 4 Recap of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder edge out the Minnesota Timberwolves with a stunning 128-126 victory! In this video, we break down every critical play, highlight Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible 40-point performance, and analyze how the Thunder established a commanding 3-1 series lead on their road to the NBA Finals.
Dive into our narrative recap that covers each quarter from the Thunder’s explosive start—with Jalen Williams’ back‑to‑back three-pointers—to Minnesota’s desperate comeback attempts and the nail-biting final minutes. Learn how the Timberwolves’ efforts, led by Anthony Edwards’ 16-point outing and Randle’s limited contribution, couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City’s disciplined defense and clutch execution.
In our detailed breakdown, we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and strategic adjustments for both teams. Discover why Minnesota’s isolation plays and late-game execution issues cost them dearly, and how the Thunder’s defensive rotations, timely free throws, and balanced attack set them up to potentially clinch a spot in the NBA Finals.
Don’t miss our expert analysis and war room strategy insights that reveal: • How the Thunder maintained control all game long. • The adjustments needed for Minnesota to extend the series. • Key moments that defined the outcome based on player performances and tactical shifts.
If you’re a true NBA fan, this comprehensive recap and analysis is a must-watch! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more breakout game recaps, in-depth strategic breakdowns, and all the latest updates from the NBA Playoffs 2025. Click the bell icon to be notified when our next video drops!
All footage and media used in this video fall under fair use for news reporting and commentary purposes.
00:00Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals was a war of adjustments, execution, and grit.
00:08The Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 at Target Center
00:15in a contest defined by strategic discipline and clutch performance.
00:20With the series hanging in the balance, every possession mattered as Minnesota fought desperately to even the series.
00:26But the Thunder's composure ultimately proved too much.
00:31Oklahoma City now holds a commanding 3-1 series lead and is one win away from securing its ticket to the NBA Finals.
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00:58From the opening tip, Oklahoma City played with relentless purpose.
01:03The Thunder quickly established their offensive rhythm, with Jalen Williams igniting the crowd by draining back-to-back three-pointers that helped the team build an early lead.
01:13Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, determined not to repeat earlier sluggish performances, sought to push the pace.
01:20Anthony Edwards, still eager to rebound after previous struggles, attacked the rim with passion, though his effort was tempered by the tight defensive rotations mounted by OKC.
01:32Minnesota's defense forced turnovers and created fast-break opportunities, yet the Thunder's methodical play allowed them to maintain a 37-30 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
01:44In the second quarter, Minnesota tried to shift the momentum by tightening their defensive approach, aiming to slow down the relentless Gilgis Alexander.
01:55Dante DiVincenzo emerged as a spark off the bench by knocking down crucial three-pointers, and Minnesota's defensive adjustments resulted in contested shots from Oklahoma City.
02:06However, the Thunder's interior presence, anchored by Chet Holmgren, continued to dominate, and despite Minnesota's best efforts, Oklahoma City maintained a slim 65-57 lead at halftime.
02:22The third quarter saw Minnesota's best attempt to close the gap.
02:26The Timberwolves launched a spirited comeback, scoring an 8-0 run that rattled the Thunder and forced Oklahoma City to call a timeout.
02:34Edwards began finding better looks as he elevated his attack, and Julius Randle, despite his early struggles, contributed with aggressive rebounding, though his offensive production remained limited.
02:48Dante DiVincenzo's timely shooting added to Minnesota's momentum, and the energy in the arena shifted as the Timberwolves inched closer.
02:57Yet, even as they made significant inroads, the Thunder managed to regroup through steady play from Gilgis Alexander and critical stops by Holmgren.
03:07Oklahoma City near the end of the third with a narrow 90-85 lead that would set the stage for a tense finish.
03:15In the fourth quarter, the intensity reached fever pitch.
03:20Minnesota, never willing to back down, narrowed the deficit and seemed poised to challenge for the lead.
03:26Edwards and McDaniels delivered clutch baskets that trimmed the gap to just two points in the final minute.
03:34With the score teetering, Oklahoma City remained calm under pressure.
03:39In a defining moment with 45 seconds left, Gilgis Alexander found Holmgren cutting to the rim.
03:45And Holmgren converted a contested layup that pushed the Thunder's lead back to 120-119.
03:51Edwards then launched a contested three-pointer which missed, giving Oklahoma City the chance to secure the rebound and draw a foul.
04:00Gilgis Alexander, ever composed, sank two critical free throws, extending the lead to three.
04:07With a final 8.5 seconds ticking away, Edwards attacked the paint one last time and kicked the ball out to DiVincenzo for a potential game-tying three.
04:16But the shot rattled out.
04:18As the buzzer sounded, Oklahoma City secured the rebound and their 128-126 victory was sealed.
04:26A result that propelled the Thunder one step closer to the NBA Finals.
04:31In reflecting on Game 4, it is clear that Minnesota's performance, while brimming with intensity and determination,
04:39was marred by critical shortcomings in late-game execution.
04:42The Timberwolves bench contributed valuable scoring from DiVincenzo and Alexander Walker.
04:49And moments of vigorous defense provided hope.
04:52Yet key miss opportunities and a stagnant half-court approach prevented them from overcoming the Thunder's disciplined play.
04:59Anthony Edwards ended the night with 16 points.
05:02A figure that underscored his struggle to generate high-percentage shots amid heavy defensive pressure.
05:08While Julius Randle's limited offensive output, just 5 points on 1-for-7 shooting, highlighted Oklahoma City's effective interior containment.
05:19Throughout Game 4, Minnesota was never able to capture and sustain a lead after the first quarter,
05:24and despite several late surges, could only reduce the deficit rather than seize control.
05:30Looking ahead, the Timberwolves must overhaul their late-game offensive schemes by moving away from isolation plays that allow OKC to double-team their star
05:40and instead emphasize fluid ball movement and coordinated off-ball screens.
05:45Greater emphasis on rebounding, particularly within the paint, is crucial to converting defensive stops into second-chance opportunities,
05:53a factor that proved decisive for the Thunder.
05:56Minnesota must also diversify their scoring options so that the burden does not fall solely on Edwards,
06:03while improving overall interior efficiency remains a top priority.
06:08On the Thunder side, Oklahoma City demonstrated championship poise throughout Game 4.
06:14Shai Gilgis-Alexander delivered a master-class performance by not only scoring 40 points,
06:20but also orchestrating the offense with calm precision and drawing Minnesota's defense into unfavorable rotations.
06:28The timely shooting of Jalen Williams and the defensive and offensive contributions of Chet Holmgren provided balance and space,
06:36ensuring that Minnesota's adjustments never gained the upper hand.
06:40Despite occasional lapses in their defensive rotations, moments that allowed Minnesota's shooters fleeting open looks,
06:48the Thunder's overall discipline and depth shone through.
06:52Yet, there is room for refinement.
06:55Oklahoma City must continue to tighten its switching defense,
06:59eliminating any gaps that might be exploited by top-tier offensive teams,
07:03and work on generating more consistent scoring from its bench.
07:08As they prepare for Game 5 and the potential challenge of an NBA Finals matchup,
07:14integrating Holmgren further into their offensive sets will be vital.
07:17By leveraging more coordinated pick-and-roll strategies and ensuring that all five on the floor contribute offensively,
07:25the Thunder can maintain their competitive edge even in high-stakes situations.
07:30Game 4 was not just a battle of individual talent,
07:34but a testament to the importance of team cohesion and strategic execution.
07:39While Minnesota must now focus on refining their late-game tactics
07:42and establishing a more interconnected offensive system,
07:46Oklahoma City will look to build on their success by smoothing out defensive inconsistencies
07:51and deepening their roster's overall scoring output.
07:55With Game 5 looming large as a do-or-die scenario for the Timberwolves
07:59and a gateway to the NBA Finals for the Thunder,
08:03the adjustments made in the coming days will be the differences that ultimately decide the series.
08:09If that video hit home or gave you something to think about,
08:16drop a like and let me know what you think in the comments.
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08:25Until next time, stay inspired and keep chasing greatness.
