After a lackluster outing in Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned with a vengeance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. He delivered a performance that not only silenced his critics but also put the Oklahoma City Thunder one win away from the NBA Finals. The Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The Thunder will take on Minnesota again on Wednesday, where Oklahoma City will look to close out the series at home. The Thunder’s injury report remains clean, aside from Nikola Topic. With no new injuries reported, Gilgeous-Alexander is fully expected to suit up and lead his team once again.
After scoring just 14 points in Game 3, Shai faced a wave of criticism. He answered emphatically in Game 4. The newly crowned 2024-25 MVP dropped a playoff career-high 40 points, added 10 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds.
His remarkable performance also earned him a unique place in history. Shai now has the most 30-point games (59) by an MVP in a combined regular season and playoffs since the legendary Michael Jordan.
Across the 2024-25 postseason, Shai has maintained elite numbers with 29.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and a combined 2.1 steals and blocks per game. His game proved his all-around value on both ends of the court.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Addresses the ‘Free-Throw Merchant’ Label
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Following the Game 4 win, Shai addressed the idea that he relies too heavily on free throws. A reporter asked him about being labeled a “free-throw merchant” during the postgame press conference. In response, he said he takes it as a “compliment.”
“In terms of the label, I don’t care. Never cared. I’ve shot more free throws in a season than I did this season. I think because we’re on the top of everyone’s radar, it’s a little more noticeable & people care, but, I see it as a compliment,” Shai said.
With his words and his performance, SGA continues to prove he’s more than just a scorer. Even when factoring in his 14-point game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.8 points, 8.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in the Western Conference Finals.
