While the Timberwolves made a comeback after two lopsided losses, the Thunder must win Game 3 to establish their lead. Likewise, a record-setting 42-point loss does not reflect well on the No.1 seed. With even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only managing 14 points, it was hard to watch. Although an embarrassing moment, it was surely a wake-up call for OKC to be jolted back into shape. “We don’t try to go out like that, I promise you,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But whatever it is, we’ve got to figure it out if we want to reach our ultimate goals. That’s what the days in between are for, to get better.” So what lies ahead?
Although the Thunder struggled to perform their first night in Minnesota, OKC has a solid foundation. In the first game, SGA had 32 points and nine assists. Similarly, in game two, the MVP recorded 38 points while adding eight assists. On the other hand, Jalen Williams, the OKC forward, made the Thunder’s offense solid with 26 points of his own in Game 2. Chet Holmgren declared that he is confident that the Thunder can bring their A-game in Game 4. “We have to do the exact same thing they did (after Game 2),” Holmgren said. “We have to go back and watch and see why what they did worked, and then figure out how to counter that.”
To have the Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. outscore Shai in a playoff game is completely unacceptable. Being humbled by their opponents, Game 4 is OKC’s last opportunity to bounce back. So, Coach Daigneault must have the entire Thunder bench at his disposal to win at Minnesota’s home ground. Well, luckily, according to Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Status – ESPNs, the OKC Thunder locker room does not have any new injuries. Chet Holmgren, with the entire Thunder bench, except Nikola Topic, is available to play tonight.
May 7, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder rookie has been out for most of the season because of a knee injury. While he has missed a lot of the drama, his teammates have been making sure to live up to the No.1 seed name, making Topic and the Thunder nation proud. So, let’s find out what the fans should expect in Game 4.
Will the Thunder make a comeback in WCF Game 4?
While Game three was underwhelming, the Thunder have not given up. “(In) a long season, you get punched,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s about getting back up. It’s about responding. That’s what the challenge is. SGA has a 27.7 points average per game, likewise Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren record 19.3 ppg and 15.7 ppg. So, Daigneault definitely has his big three to reassert themselves. For now, let’s see what the Thunder starting lineup could look like:
Point Guard
Shooting Guard
Small Forward
Power Forward
Center
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Luguentz Dort
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
Cason Wallace
Alex Caruso
Isaiah Joe
Aaron Wiggins
Jaylin Williams
Ajay Mitchell
Kenrich Williams
Ousmane Dieng
On the other hand, the Timberwolves got themselves out of a do-or-die situation, but they have had a rocky start. Anthony Edwards in Game 1 only managed 18 points and almost got out with an injury. Julius Randle scored only six points after his incredible performance in Game 1. And no one can forget McDaniels shoving SGA down out of frustration. It won’t be wrong to say the Wolves are also on rocky grounds and need this win to be back. So, let’s see the possible starting lineup Coach Finch might have in mind for tonight:
Point Guard
Shooting Guard
Small Forward
Power Forward
Center
Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Donte DiVincenzo
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Terrence Shannon Jr.
Naz Reid
Luka Garza
Rob Dillingham
Jaylen Clark
Joe Ingles
Leonard Miller
Tonight’s match, no doubt, is going to be a showdown between two of the best in the league. With a lot at stake, both teams are returning to Target Center and no one can be certain which way luck might swing. So, which team will you be cheering for?
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