In the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a series-tying win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4. With a score of 100-96, Gilgeous-Alexander displayed impressive shotmaking and decision-making skills that carried the Thunder past their opponents. The Mavs, who had won two games in a row, were looking to take a commanding lead in the series. However, Gilgeous-Alexander's performance proved crucial for OKC.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored or assisted on 20 of the Thunder's final 30 points. He went 12-of-16 on midrange shots in the game, breaking a record for most midrange buckets made in a playoff game over the past decade. His ability to find teammates and trust them during critical moments was praised by coach Mark Daigneault.
The Mavs' Luka Doncic missed a free throw with 10 seconds remaining that could have tied the game, and Dallas made only 12 of 23 free throws compared to Thunder's 23-of-24. Doncic had more turnovers (7) than field goals (6) in the game, while Kyrie Irving registered only 9 points for the second time in the series.
The Thunder started the postseason with a 5-0 record, and their youthful energy and depth have been tested by Dallas' physicality. The team is looking to rely on muscle memory built during the regular season to overcome this adversity. In Game 4, Jalen Williams made a crucial corner 3 to take the lead for OKC, while Lu Dort made a big play by making one of his missed 3s in the fourth quarter.
Despite dealing with sore knee and bum ankle, Doncic is expected to play in Game 4. He has averaged 15 potential assists through the first three games of the series but has only posted nine actual assists in Game 1. OKC has contained Doncic's scoring, holding him to 19 points in Game 1 and 22 points in Game 3. Doncic is projected to have at least 9.5 assists in Game 4, with his number coming out closer to 9.9.
Chet Holmgren is projected to score over 14.5 points in Game 4.