Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is adamant that his squad still has room to grow, subtly urging fans not to raise their expectations too high just yet. However, as the Thunder stand on the brink of the NBA Finals, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue against their potential.
With a stunning blend of youth and talent, the Thunder are challenging the prevailing belief that Big Threes are a dying breed in today’s league. In a gripping Western Conference Finals matchup, Oklahoma City outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves, notching a nail-biting 128-126 victory that gives them a commanding 3-1 series lead.
At the heart of this resurgent Thunder team is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he’s not alone. He’s joined his two burgeoning superstar teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, in a playoff narrative that’s only beginning to unfold. Throughout the game, it was impossible to overlook the impact of all three transformative players, with each taking turns making crucial plays that propelled their team forward.
Williams, once seen as a work in progress during last year’s playoffs, demonstrated remarkable poise in high-pressure moments, scoring early against Anthony Edwards and answering the bell in the fourth quarter. The trio combined for an impressive 95 points in a game filled with electric shots, showcasing their collective talent against the Timberwolves’ gritty defense and a vibrant home crowd eager for a series tie.
Gilgeous-Alexander, although not at his peak efficiency, still managed a stellar 40-point outing accompanied by 10 assists and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Williams lit up the scoreboard with six three-pointers on his way to 34 points, including a fierce 14-point fourth quarter. Holmgren, proving to be a dynamic presence, tallied 21 points and seven rebounds, with his late-game contributions playing a critical role in sealing the victory. If this is the Thunder at their worst, the rest of the league should be taking notes; they are not a team to be taken lightly.
Gilgeous-Alexander recognizes the potential of his teammates, referencing their ages—24 for Williams and just 23 for Holmgren—highlighting a future that seems incredibly bright for the franchise. “We still have so much more room to grow, which is scary,” he commented. “They haven’t even hit close to their prime yet. Both are out there just playing on their talent right now. I’m excited for the future. But yeah, those two are quite the pair.”
One of the defining moments of the game came from Gilgeous-Alexander’s second-to-last assist, a slick pass through his own legs to Williams for a shot-clock beating triple that extended Oklahoma City’s lead with just over three minutes left. Williams executed under pressure without flinching, embodying the mentality required for playoff success. “This journey is not easy, and it’s not meant to be,” he stated. “So these experiences will make us better, but down the stretch, you have to know the score, obviously, but you can’t let that affect the game.”
Interestingly, the Thunder haven’t drawn up plays specifically for Holmgren yet, challenging him to find his rhythm without disrupting the flow of their offense. His ability to score when it counts has proven pivotal, particularly in the tense fourth quarter, where he stood tall amidst the pressure. “I’m trying to keep the attempts up,” Holmgren said with a hint of humor. “I put the work in for a reason. If I’m not shooting, it’ll be because my teammates stop passing it to me. They pass it to me, they expect me to shoot it.”
Game 3 saw the Timberwolves respond with urgency, raising the stakes as they aimed to grab hold of the series. The feeling was palpable—whoever won Game 4 would likely seize the series momentum. Yet, the Thunder were unfazed, effectively quelling any storm Minnesota hoped to create.
Despite the Timberwolves posting impressive shooting numbers, including strong performances from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo, the Thunder held strong. “That game was unbelievably physical, and the guys just battled up and had to withstand a lot of runs by Minnesota,” Daigneault remarked. “Give their role guys credit. The shot-making was ridiculous. For us to overcome that on the road was a great team win.”
What stood out most was the Thunder’s ability to control the game’s tempo. After Edwards’ explosive performance in Game 3, Oklahoma City effectively disrupted his rhythm, sending multiple defenders his way and leaving him puzzled. His quiet first half, where he attempted just two shots, highlighted the Thunder’s defensive prowess; they managed to shift the Timberwolves away from their game plan, a testament to their growing maturity as a team.
In a battle marked by youth and intensity, the Thunder showcased a blend of skill and resilience that positions them as a formidable force in the West. With each game, they inch closer to fulfilling their ambitious potential, and if their star players continue to develop, the Thunder could reignite discussions of a new dynasty in the making. The rest of the league will surely be watching keenly.
