Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an electrifying, career- defining performance Monday night, dropping a playoff-best 40 points and carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 128126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the win, OKC moves just one game away from its first NBA Finals trip since 2012.

After enduring a blowout loss in Game 3, the Thunder came out sharp in Game 4, grabbing the lead early and never looking back. By the start of the third quarter, OKC had stretched its advantage to 11 — the biggest margin of the night — and thanks to Gilgeous-Alexanders unstoppable offensive attack, they withstood every furious Minnesota push.

Gilgeous-Alexander nearly notched a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and a postseason career-high 10 assists to his dazzling 40-point outing. Jalen Williams was just as lethal, pouring in 34 points, dishing five assists, and swiping three steals. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren chipped in 21 points, anchoring a Thunder squad that played with poise and hunger.

For Minnesota, the frustration continued as young star Anthony Edwards was once again bottled up by Okla- homa City’s stifling defense, finishing with just 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Jaden McDaniels (22 points), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (23 points), and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points) kept the Wolves alive, but it wasn’t enough to claw past the surging Thunder.

Now, the series heads back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday — and the Thunder stand just one win away from an NBA Finals return that’s been 13 years in the making. Expect the Paycom Center to be rocking as OKC looks to close the door and punch its ticket to the big stage.