The Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves reaches a critical juncture on May 26, 2025, as the series shifts to Game 4 at Target Center with the Thunder holding a commanding 3–0 lead. Oklahoma City has thoroughly controlled the series through stifling defense, elite ball movement, and remarkable composure for a young team, capped by a dominant 114–88 road win in Game 3 that sucked the energy out of the Minnesota crowd and placed the Timberwolves on the brink of elimination. The Thunder have dictated pace, attacked in transition, and forced Minnesota into halfcourt struggles, all while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued his ascent into superstardom by orchestrating the offense with poise, scoring efficiently, and setting the tone with relentless drives and timely midrange jumpers. SGA’s consistency has not only given OKC a go-to option, but also opened the floor for teammates like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Joe to exploit mismatches and shoot with confidence. Defensively, the Thunder have been suffocating, particularly against Anthony Edwards, who despite a sensational playoff run, has looked rushed, tightly guarded, and physically worn down, with OKC throwing bodies at him and forcing others to beat them. The Timberwolves have yet to find a sustainable offensive rhythm, failing to crack 100 points in Games 2 and 3, and have looked sluggish compared to the Thunder’s crisp execution and energy. Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled with shot selection and foul trouble, while Rudy Gobert’s limited offensive game has allowed OKC to focus on perimeter containment without sacrificing much rim protection.

Coach Chris Finch must make major adjustments, potentially shifting rotations or looking to increase pace and spacing to jump-start a stagnant offense that’s been bottled up. Minnesota’s defense, once its strongest suit, has been vulnerable in pick-and-roll coverages and transition sequences, areas OKC has relentlessly attacked with quick ball reversals and decisive drives. The Timberwolves do boast a 59–33–2 ATS record, including strong performances at home, and their season has been defined by resiliency—but they’ll need a near-perfect performance to flip momentum in Game 4. On the other end, OKC has remained steady under pressure, with Coach Mark Daigneault managing minutes, rotations, and matchups masterfully, keeping the Thunder composed and hungry despite their youth. The Thunder’s 58–33–2 ATS record is a reflection of how often they’ve exceeded expectations and outperformed oddsmakers, and in this series, they’ve covered the spread in four of their last five meetings with Minnesota. With history on their side—no team has ever come back from 0–3 in the NBA playoffs—Oklahoma City will aim to close the door emphatically and punch their ticket to the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. For Minnesota, Game 4 is about pride, urgency, and survival; for Oklahoma City, it’s about seizing the moment and proving they’re not just the future of the league—they’re ready to win now.