Los Thunderafter not appearing at the Minnesota Target Center in the third game of the series (143-101) recovered all the hallmarks that led them to be crowned as leaders of the regular season and imposed on the Wolves (126-128) placing the 3-1 In the tie that leaves them At a triumph of getting into a NBA final 13 years later of his only presence so far, when In 2012 they succumb 4-1 against the Heat of LeBron James. This Wednesday (2:30 h) could certify their classification.
It was a triumph that was decided in the last seconds of the game and for which they needed the best version of their three pillars. A colossal Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stroked triple-double with 40 points (12/23 T2, 2/7 T3 and 12/14 TL), 9 rebounds, 11 assists and a robbery. It is the Fifth player in the NBA history that signs at least 40 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists in a conference final. And it was decisive in the final carousel of free throws scoring three in the last 14 seconds.
Williams and Holmgren surpassed their MVP
The MVP of the season justified its coronation and was magnificently wrapped by Jalen Williamswith 34 points (7/15 T2, 6/9 T3 and 2/2 TL), 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 robberies, and by Chet HolmgrenAuthor of 21 points (7/10 T2, 2/4 T3 and 1/2 TL), 7 rebounds, an assistance, a robbery and three caps. Among the three they scored 95 of the 128 points of their team (74.2%).
In front, the Wolves missed the bites of The two 'alpha males' of their pack, which had an aciaga night And they struggled to their team. Anthony Edwards It ended with 16 points but with a poor 5/13 in field shots with 1/7 triples. AND Julius Randlewas worse, with 5 points, 1/7 TC, 0/3 triples and 5 losses. Minnesota holders only scored 62 points, for 64 of their substitutes.
Magnificent Alexander-Walker and Donte Divinnzo
Even so, those of Minnesota had victory options until the end thanks to the fantastic performance of two of their substitutes, Nickeil Alexander-WalkerShai cousin, who signed 23 points (5/8 triples), 4 rebounds and 6 assists. AND Donte Forenzowith 21 (5/8 triples), 3 rebounds and 5 assists. But neither your work nor help you under boards Rudy Gobert (13+9+3+1 cap) saved some Wolves who are already on the edge of the precipice.
Alexander-Walker leaves a tray after overcoming Holmgren already Caruso.
Thunder They changed the milk teeth of the third meeting of the series and recovered the sharp defensive fabila that led them to lead the regular season, gripping the attack of some wolves who barely found offensive slits To add points in a complicated first part for them (57-65).
First disastrous part of Edwards and Randle
Much of the fault of That collapse of Minnesota's attack, caused by the voracious defense of the Thunderit had the absenteeism of the two great engines of the Wolves. Anthony Edwards He went to break with 4 points and only two launches to basket (1/2) and Julius Randle with 5 (1/4). Two baskets of six attempts between them.
Anthony Edwards, frustrated during the fourth game against the Thunder.
Without them his team lacked offensive spark. Only McDaniels (12) and the substitute Alexander-Walker (11) They avoided major damage to the strength of a Gilgeous-Alxander who scored 21 points in the first part (almost as many as the 27 of the entire title quintet of his rival). And next to him, his usual squires Jalen Williams (15) y Chet Holmgren (10+5+2 caps).
Exchange of blows and partials
Caruso put the maximum in the resumption with a triple (57-68)but the Wolves responded with A 9-0 with very active Gobert (66-68). The Thunder answered with and 0-7 (66-75), but they met a new arreón of their rival, which with A 13-4 partial with Alexander-Walker and DivinCenzo triples They matched the clash (79-79).
Wallace, Caruso, Holmgren Y Shai They commanded a new visitors stretch to face the last act with a minimum mattress (85-90). Rested at the beginning of it Edwards y Shai And they were a great Alexander-Walker y Pitch who made the rubber before the strength of Holmgren (96-99).
Chet Holmgren looking for the ring trying to avoid Rudy Gobert's cap.
The onslaught of DiVincenzo, Reid y Edwards They kept Minnesota alive (100-103). But Shai y Holmgren They hit them again (100-107 a 6:58). The triples of Edwards, DiVincenzo y McDaniels They put the Thunder in order to win (109-111 a 2:46). But Caruso y Williams, with a triple after Shai's assistance between McDaniels's legsthey gave an almost definitive blow on the table (109-116, a 3:32).
Wolves Resilience
Alexander-Walker and Divinzzowith his fifth triple, they embodied the spirit of resilience of Minnesota (116-120 a 1:34). Williams and McDaniels kept the bid high until the latter, with a triple, gave the last halo of life to his team after being plugged by Holmgren (121-123 to 23 seconds from the end).
Shai He scored two free throws and Gobert replied (123-125, a 9,9). They were nine taquicardic seconds with a Free throw carousel for Shai, Reid and Edwardsthat at 3.5 (125-128) threw to fail The second and his team did not find anyone 0.3 tenths to try to force the extension (126-128).
