OKC Thunder Beat Timberwolves to Go Up 3-1

On Monday, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves will face off in one of the more pivotal games of the entire NBA postseason.

The Thunder are up 2-1 in the series, but Minnesota’s 42-point win in Game 3 was a potentially series-swinging win. The implications of OKC going up 3-1, or the Timberwolves tying the series, could be massive for the eventual Finals champion, be it East or West.

Oklahoma City’s physicality and intensity response will be an important factor to watch following Saturday’s blowout.

Here are live updates for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals:

First Quarter: Thunder 37, Timberwolves 30

The opening frame was a competitive one, with the teams matching intensity and physicality early as they did in Games 1 and 2. Both teams were flying around on defense, but found early offense all the same with tough shot-making.

The Thunder amassed a slight lead built by turning the Wolves over, building a 22-17 lead.

The Wolves would catch fire from three, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo keeping Minnesota in it. Ultimately, OKC would play the better opening frame, leading to an seven-point lead heading to quarter No. 2.

Half: Thunder 65, Timberwolves 57

The teams would continue to duke it out in frame two. Rookie Terrance Shannon Jr. would continue to provide Minnesota with a spark — scoring seven points in four minutes — but would favor his shoulder after a collision on a turnover. The Thunder have continued to keep a slight distance between the two teams, leading 53-44.

The Wolves have had a response to nearly every single OKC run, keeping the game from getting out of hand with timely offense. As a whole, Minnesota is shooting 54% overall and 47% from three.

Oklahoma City would continue to play its patented stingy defense to the buzzer, holding an eight-point lead at the break.

Third Quarter: Thunder 90, Timberwolves 85

The Thunder would go on a run to start the third, but Minnesota responded with a 7-0 run largely led by Anthony Edwards to cut the lead to just four.

The Wolves have had reliant shooting all night, tying the game up with masive triples from the likes of Alexander-Walker, DiVencenzo and more. Oklahoma City would go on another mini run to make the lead just five.

The teams would scrap to end the third quarter, with the Thunder taking a five-point lead heading into the final frame of play.

Fourth Quarter:

The start of the fourth has been just as competitive, though stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards saw plenty of rest early in the frame.

Oklahoma City leads the contest with 2:27 remaining, 118-111.

After a display of shot-making in the fourth from its Big 3, the Thunder lead the contest, 125-123, with just 9.9 seconds remaining.