The Oklahoma City Thunders will be able to advance to the NBA Finals in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 on Wednesday.
Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5 Preview
Back in Game 5’s home soil, the Thunder will advance to the NBA Championship for the first time since 2012 if they can overcome the Timberwolves at the Paycom Center tonight.
It officially marks a new era of success in Oklahoma City over a decade in which the franchise went into war with upcoming games of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
The stars appear to be tailored to Oklahoma City. After winning 68 regular season games, Shygilgauss Alexander was selected as the league MVP, and the 26-year-old was nothing more than a phenomenon in the playoffs.
In Game 4, the Canadian recorded almost triple doubles of 40 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, leading the Thunder to a narrow victory in Minnesota, placing Mark DeGreen Alto’s team within the emotional distance of the conference championship.
Crime partner Jalen Williams added 34 points, three rebounds, five assists with 21 points and seven rebounds from Chet Holmgren, and Gilgeous-Alexander set the fire.
Returning to Oklahoma is welcomed by Thunder, who boasts a 7-1 record in this playoffs.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards appeared missing with just 16 points on a 13-shot attempt in Game 4.
Julius Randle suffered a similar fate, scoring five points, seven rebounds and three assists after scoring 28 and 24 in games 1 and 3 respectively. The talented wise Minnesota can’t simply lay up with Oklahoma City, but I’d expect the star man to fight better than this.
Randle doesn’t want to put the ball on the floor. Every time he does, there is usually a mistake. The Thunder defense knows it very well and responds accordingly efficiently whenever it happens.
Thunder Guards Lu Dort and Alex Caruso are exaggerating what has kept Edwards quiet, sending multiple bodies down their own paths, forcing the youth to play double teams, leading to increased turnovers.
After the 42-point dismantling of leaps-backed lightning in Game 3, all the momentum the Timberwolves held appears to have disappeared, and it would be a huge surprise if Minnesota could expand this series further.
Oklahoma City is a valuable title favorite, and the Boston Celtics are ready to succeed in a similar way in 2024, retaining all aces leading up to the postseason and delivering on the biggest stage as expected.
They have all the pieces. The MVP leads the way for Gilgauss Alexander with the second All-Star option at Williams. Holmglen will definitely be an All-Star in the future.
Watch: Shy Gilgauss Alexander’s career-high 40 points in Game 4
Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5 Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries
G Nicola Topic (Knee; out)
Minnesota Timberwolves injury
There are no injuries to report
Which TV channel is Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5?
Game 5 of Thunder vs Timberwolves will air nationwide on ESPN.