Oklahoma City Thunder's defensive dominance, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong bench, secured a 92-87 win over Denver, tying their Western Conference semi-final series 2-2.
OKC's Shocking Upset: They Tied the Series!
So, the Oklahoma City Thunder just pulled off a HUGE upset against the Denver Nuggets, tying their Western Conference semi-final series at 2-2. Honestly, who saw that coming? Sunday's game was a nail-biter, a real back-and-forth affair that ended 92-87 in favor of the Thunder. It was a testament to their grit, their determination, and, let's be honest, some seriously impressive defense.
Defense Wins Championships (and Series Games)
Both teams struggled offensively – seriously, the shooting percentages were brutal! Oklahoma City shot a measly 36%, and Denver wasn't much better at 31%. But Oklahoma City's defense? That was a different story. It was a masterclass. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring with 25 points, but it wasn't just him. Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace each chipped in 11, and Alex Caruso added 10. It was a true team effort. And their defense in that fourth quarter? They held the Nuggets to just 18 points! Brutal.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was huge – he wasn't just scoring, he was grabbing rebounds (six!), dishing out assists (six!), the whole nine yards. The Thunder's bench also absolutely crushed it, outscoring Denver's bench 35-8. That's a massive difference! Their defensive intensity? It was the key to shutting down Denver's comeback attempt. As Gilgeous-Alexander himself put it after the game, "We got stops, held them to 18 points in the fourth. They came out hot after halftime, but the defensive end is always it for us… we got it back on track and got the W."
Jokic and the Nuggets' Fourth-Quarter Freeze
Nikola Jokic still put up an impressive 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Jamal Murray (17 points) and Christian Braun (17 points) also contributed. But the Nuggets' offense completely stalled in the fourth. They briefly took the lead in the third, but OKC clamped down defensively when it mattered most. You know how sometimes things just spiral? That's what happened to Denver in those final minutes – missed shots, turnovers... it was tough to watch.
Coach David Adelman pointed out the Nuggets' fatigue after the game, and you could definitely see it on the court. Those missed shots down the stretch? They were killer. And those turnovers at crucial moments? They really sealed Denver's fate. Adelman himself admitted, "Give their team credit, in a really disgusting basketball game, those guys made plays, made enough plays to push them over the edge and win the game.”
The Series is Far From Over
The series is now tied 2-2, and the Thunder have the home-court advantage going into Game 5 on Tuesday. The atmosphere? Electric. The stakes? Higher than ever. As Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly stated: "Every game is do or die against a really good team. One game could shift the complete control of the series."
A Defensive Masterpiece
This game was all about Oklahoma City's impressive defensive display and clutch performance. While the offense wasn't exactly firing on all cylinders for either team, the Thunder’s defensive dominance in that final quarter, combined with their incredible bench play, made all the difference. This series is far from over – it’s going to be a wild ride! But the Thunder have definitely shifted the momentum back their way. Game 5 is going to be a must-watch.
FAQ
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets, winning 92-87, tying the series 2-2. This was considered an upset victory.
The Thunder's win was due to strong defensive dominance, a great performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a surprisingly strong bench performance.
The series is tied 2-2 after the Thunder's Game 4 victory. Game 5 will be crucial for determining series momentum.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder's star player. His performance and leadership contributed significantly to their upset victory in Game 4.
Check your local listings for broadcast information on Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
The Thunder's victory is a significant upset, shifting the momentum of the series and highlighting their potential as a playoff contender. It ties the series making Game 5 a must-win for both teams.
The Thunder's bench players provided crucial support, offering scoring and defensive contributions that helped secure the upset victory against the Denver Nuggets.
Yes, many considered the Thunder's victory in Game 4 an upset given the Denver Nuggets' higher seeding and pre-series expectations.
You can find highlights of Game 4 on various sports websites and apps, including NBA.com and YouTube. Search for 'Thunder vs Nuggets Game 4 highlights'.
Strong team defense, the stellar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the unexpected contribution of their bench players have all been instrumental in the Thunder's playoff run so far.
