The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a tough time in this playoff series. After falling behind the Denver Nuggets in Games 1 and 3, many people thought the series was almost over. Their confidence was shaky, shots weren’t falling, and fans were beginning to lose hope.
Just when it looked like it might slip away completely, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—or SGA, as fans know him—came through. Game 4 was their turning point, and SGA made sure of it. With calm focus and clutch plays, he gave the Thunder exactly what they needed: a hard-fought 92-87 win and a tied series at 2-2.
SGA’s tough week in the playoffs
It hasn’t been an easy ride for SGA. After leading the Thunder to a huge win in Game 2, where they blew out the Nuggets 149-106, things quickly turned again. In Game 3, Denver bounced back with more energy and better defence, handing the Thunder another loss.
SGA still played well, but hadn’t taken over a game when it mattered. Everyone, including OKC’s fans and sports bettors from the biggest casinos in the world, is waiting for him to pull through. Critics started asking if he could lead the team through the pressure. Game 4 gave us the answer to those questions.
Are the Thunder too young?
One thing that kept popping up before Game 4 was the Thunder’s age. They’re one of the youngest teams in the NBA, and the playoffs are known to test even the most experienced players. With so many young stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, some thought the team wasn’t ready for this spotlight.
However, age doesn’t always mean weakness. The Thunder showed in Game 4 that what they lack in experience, they make up for in grit—and a strong, fearless attitude.
A familiar comeback
If you’ve watched the Thunder this season, you know they don’t give up easily. Even when they’re behind, they keep pushing. Game 4 was no different, and SGA didn’t disappoint.
Denver looked in control for most of the game. Earlier in the final quarter, the Nuggets had an 8-point lead, but the Thunder didn’t panic. They turned up their defence and started making smart plays. In just a few minutes, OKC went on a 14-3 run and completely changed the pace of the game.
SGA steps up in Game 4
He finished with 25 points, but his timing stood out most. He scored nine points in the fourth quarter when his team needed him most. Every shot he took felt like a moment of calm in a storm. Whether it was a smooth drive, a smart pass, or clutch free throws, SGA delivered.
The clutch, as it happened
The clutch made by SGA will go down in the team history. By being one of their most skilled players, he saved the Thunder from a guaranteed loss.
The Thunder were up by only two. The Nuggets were right behind, ready to steal the win. That’s when SGA made one of the biggest plays of the night. He drove to the basket with defenders around him and floated in a clean shot over Nikola Jokić.
Then he came back and knocked down two huge free throws. Moments later, he grabbed a tough rebound after Jamal Murray missed a three-pointer. In just a matter of minutes, the game was in OKC’s hands. Every move was smooth, smart, and tactical. It was the kind of finish that makes highlight reels—and playoff legends.
Can the Thunder keep it going?
With this win, the Thunder proved that they’re not just here for the experience but to compete. Game 4 showed they have the heart and talent to go toe-to-toe with a champion. Everyone is watching the game, even the avid sports bettors of the biggest casinos in the world.
However, this one win doesn’t mean the job is done. The next games will be even tougher, and the Nuggets won’t stay quiet for long. If OKC wants to move forward, it must stay sharp and consistent with its formula.
Still, if SGA keeps playing like this, anything is possible. He’s already shown that he can carry the team when it comes to crunch time. If he keeps it up, the Thunder might surprise everyone, and this young squad could go further than anyone expected.