Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a one-man wrecking crew in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday night, powering the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and putting them one game away from the NBA Finals. The sports card above tells the story: 40 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and a cool 12-of-14 from the free-throw line in 40 minutes of high-octane hoops. That’s the kind of stat line that makes you sit up and take notice, and it’s why Shai’s got Timberwolves fans chanting “free throw merchant” every time he steps to the stripe. But if you think that label bothers him, think again—this guy’s got ice in his veins and a chip on his shoulder that’s carrying OKC to new heights.
Let’s break it down. Shai was everywhere in Game 4, slicing through Minnesota’s defense like a hot knife through butter. He went 13-of-30 from the field, but it was his trips to the line—12 makes out of 14 attempts—that had the Target Center crowd losing it. For the third time in this series, Shai drew at least 14 free-throw attempts, and Wolves fans let him hear it, trying to rattle the Thunder’s star. But postgame, Shai shrugged it off with the kind of cool confidence that defines him. “Fans are gonna do whatever they can to help their team win and knock me off my game,” he said, per ClutchPoints’ Josue Pavon. “That’s their job, that’s what creates home-court advantage… They don’t want the Oklahoma City Thunder to win. So I expect nothing else.”
As for the “free throw merchant” jab? Shai’s not sweating it. “I don’t care. I never cared,” he said, flashing a grin that says he’s heard it all before. And he’s got the stats to back up his swagger. Shai pointed out he’s shot more free throws in a season before—10.9 per game in 2022-23 compared to 8.8 this year. “I think because we’re at the top of everyone’s radar, it’s a little bit more noticeable,” he added, calling it a compliment. And why not? The guy’s a master at drawing contact, using his quickness and smarts to get defenders off balance. It’s not flopping—it’s high-IQ basketball, and it’s a big reason why OKC’s got a 3-1 series lead.
This isn’t just about Shai’s free throws, though. His 40-point, near-triple-double performance was a masterclass in leadership, especially with the Thunder on the road in a hostile environment. He’s the head of the snake, as he put it, and Minnesota’s got no answer for him. Whether he’s hitting floaters, dishing to open teammates, or calmly sinking free throws while fans jeer, Shai’s playing like the 2024-25 Kia MVP he was crowned before the game. That award presentation? Just another reminder that this guy’s on a mission.
Now, the Thunder head back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Wednesday night, with a chance to close out the series and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. If Shai keeps cooking like he did in Game 4, don’t be surprised if he’s hoisting the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy before long. A win would also give OKC a week to rest up before the Finals, a huge edge for a young team looking to make history. Shai’s already got one regret from Game 4—maybe a missed shot or a turnover he’d want back—but you can bet he’s locked in for the next one.
This is what makes Shai so special. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s embracing the villain role, thriving under pressure, and turning jeers into fuel. Timberwolves fans can chant all they want, but right now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s got the last laugh—and the Thunder are one step away from the biggest stage in basketball.
