In a highly anticipated Game 4 of the Western Conference playoff series, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Denver Nuggets, with the Thunder aiming to even the series after trailing 2-1. The game showcased intense competition, highlighted by standout performances from both teams and moments of tension on the court.
The first quarter saw a sluggish start for the Thunder, who struggled offensively, managing only two field goals out of 22 attempts. Conversely, the Nuggets capitalized on their opportunities, but the Thunder managed to lead 17-8 by the end of the quarter. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) found his rhythm early, contributing 12 points while shooting at a 50% clip.
As the game progressed, the intensity escalated, particularly between Russell Westbrook and SGA. Westbrook’s aggressive style was on full display, as he sought to rally his team. With three minutes remaining in the second quarter, Westbrook connected on a crucial shot that narrowed the Thunder’s lead to five points at 33-28. SGA continued to assert his dominance, executing a three-point play opportunity that extended Oklahoma City’s lead to six points at the half, with the score standing at 42-36.
The second half brought a shift in momentum as the Nuggets began to find their shooting touch with back-to-back three-pointers from Christian Braun and Jamal Murray, narrowing the gap to just one point. As the third quarter drew to a close, the Nuggets led 69-63, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on the Thunder’s mistakes.
In the fourth quarter, the game reached a fever pitch as both squads exchanged leads. A remarkable 11-0 run by the Thunder culminated in a driving layup from Westbrook, putting Oklahoma City up 84-80 with just under two minutes remaining. However, the Nuggets were not to be outdone. Jamal Murray answered with a critical layup, followed by key free throws from Aaron Gordon that kept Denver in contention.
As the clock wound down, SGA displayed his clutch scoring ability, making a finger roll layup to bring the Thunder within one point at 88-87. The final moments of the game were filled with drama as both teams executed critical plays, but ultimately, the Thunder held on for an 88-87 victory, evening the series at 2-2.
This win not only showcased the Thunder’s tenacity but also highlighted the fierce rivalry between Westbrook and SGA, as both players demonstrated their skills in a high-pressure playoff environment. With the series now tied, the teams will prepare for an eagerly awaited Game 5, where the stakes will be even higher. The outcome of this series remains uncertain, but the performances displayed in Game 4 have set the stage for a thrilling continuation of the postseason.