In a tightly contested Game 4 featuring MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, the Oklahoma City Thunder used a fourth-quarter surge to defeat the Denver Nuggets 92-87 and even the series at 2-2.
After Denver took a 7-point lead early in the final frame, OKC’s bench sparked an 11-0 run behind three clutch threes from Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins. The Thunder never trailed again, showcasing depth and poise down the stretch.
SGA led the way with 25 points, while Wallace and Wiggins chipped in 11 each off the bench. Jalen Williams added six of his 14 points in the final minutes, combining with Gilgeous-Alexander for 14 of OKC’s final 15 points.
Oklahoma City’s defense held firm when it mattered most, limiting the Nuggets to just 18 points in the fourth quarter and a 75.0 offensive rating. Denver, who outscored OKC by 12 in the third quarter, failed to convert late, managing zero points off turnovers and just six points in the paint in the final period.
Nikola Jokić scored a game-high 27 points but was limited to only three assists — Denver is now 1-8 in playoff games where Jokić records three or fewer dimes. Despite a combined 49 points from Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets got little help from the bench, which was outscored 35-8.
Now tied 2-2, the series shifts to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday. Historically, teams that win Game 5 of a 2-2 best-of-seven series go on to win it over 80% of the time.