Oklahoma City regained ground in the series against the reigning champions with a hard-fought victory in Denver. In a game marked by fatigue, intense defenses and a low shooting percentage, the NBA' s youngest team found a way to do just enough at key moments. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 25 points, and backed by a bench that responded when needed most, the Thunder won 92-87 in Game 4 to even the series 2-2.
The Ball Arena witnessed a game that was more physical than showy, in which the accumulated fatigue of both teams after Friday's intense Game 3 weighed heavily during the 48 minutes. But while Denver made mistakes in the decisive moments, Oklahoma City was able to hold its own. Now, the series returns to the Thunder's home, where it will be defined if this victory marked a real change or if it was just a bad day for the Nuggets.
A Difficult Beginning to Digest
The first quarter was anything but attractive. Denver was barely able to score eight points, a figure that speaks to the level of offensive disconnect at the start. The Thunder didn't shine either, but managed to close the first twelve minutes with a slight lead. Between the two teams, they only scored 25 points in that period, a reflection of a game with poor decisions on offense and a very low pace.
The fatigue after Friday's overtime game was evident. With short rest and an unusual schedule for a playoff game, the impact was felt from the opening tip-off. Players looked sluggish, legs were heavy, and shots weren't going in. The fight was more in the melee than in strategy. However, Oklahoma City managed to maintain a slight lead at halftime: 42-36.
The Thunder's wider rotation was also a factor. Coach Mark Daigneault opted to give minutes to players from the second unit, looking to oxygenate his starters. That decision would be key later on, but in the first two quarters, the game was a reflection of the accumulated effort and how demanding the series has been for both teams.
Banking Makes the Difference
Just when it looked like Denver would take control of the game in the fourth quarter, the Thunder's depth showed up. Down by eight points, Oklahoma City put together an 11-0 run led by its reserves. Cason Wallace hit two three-pointers, Aaron Wiggins added another, and the energy off the bench turned the tide of the game. It was an unexpected, but necessary, boost in a game where the stars were well defended.
Wallace's second three-pointer gave Oklahoma City the lead for good. In a game where every point counted, that moment was decisive. From that point on, the Thunder handled the closing, took care of the ball and responded on defense. The bench not only ignited the spark, but also showed that this squad does not depend exclusively on its starting five.
Meanwhile, Denver seemed to run out of answers. The Nuggets' short rotation, with several players getting a lot of minutes, eventually took its toll. The team showed signs of exhaustion and made mistakes unbecoming of a squad with championship experience, including a five-second violation on a kickoff during the final moments.
Shai Shows Up When Needed Most
Although he didn't have his best night in terms of percentages, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed up at the right time. Nine of his 25 points came in the fourth quarter, when the Thunder needed someone to close out the game. His ability to absorb contact, attack the rim and keep his cool was crucial for Oklahoma City to take the win.
Shai did not overexert himself. He knew when to give the ball away and when to take responsibility. Although his numbers were not spectacular, he showed leadership and mettle. On a night when few players shined, he was one of the few who knew how to find openings and punish the opposing defense in the decisive minutes.
On the other side, Nikola Jokic also put up good numbers with 27 points and 13 rebounds, but he barely handed out three assists. It was his lowest mark so far in these playoffs. In addition, Denver continues to suffer with turnovers, as the Serbian accumulated 23 in the series. The wear and tear seems to be affecting even their best player.
The Emotional Factor is Equalized
One of the factors that could tilt the series in Denver's favor was experience. With a recent ring, and players accustomed to big moments, it seemed that the Nuggets could impose their hierarchy. But this fourth game made it clear that the Thunder are learning fast. They were able to bounce back from a painful overtime loss and, in less than two days, took a step forward on a difficult court.
Mark Daigneault put it simply: every blow the team takes and manages to overcome makes it stronger. Oklahoma City is gaining experience by leaps and bounds, and this win is proof of that. The confidence with which they played the last quarter, despite being down, speaks of a group that is not intimidated.
The series is tied, but the momentum seems to have shifted to the Thunder's side. The next game will be in Oklahoma City, and it will be there where it will be known if the home team can take advantage of its momentum or if Denver, wounded but with pride, finds a way to respond. The only sure thing is that the margin for error is shrinking and the details will be more and more important.
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After this fourth game, it is impossible not to wonder if a turnaround in the series is coming. Oklahoma City showed character and depth, while Denver exhibited clear signs of fatigue and lack of reaction at key moments. The Thunder's defense made the Nuggets' shooters uncomfortable, and the lack of efficiency from the three-point line was an obstacle from which they could not recover.
In a duel that was defined more by effort than talent, Oklahoma City was smarter at the end. Denver, which usually stands out for its ability to define tight games, was outplayed this time. Errors in the final stretch weighed heavily, and the lack of freshness was noticeable in their main players.
Now the challenge will be for both. The Thunder will look to keep up the intensity and take advantage of the home court factor, while the Nuggets will have to adjust their rotation and find a way to dose the wear and tear. What is clear is that the series is alive, the tie in the scoreboard gives new air to the duel, and fans can expect more excitement in the games to come.
