NBA Finals Game 4: Thunder Even Series On SGA's Dominant Fourth Quarter

David

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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NBA Finals Game 4: Thunder Even Series on SGA's Dominant Fourth Quarter

The 2024 NBA Finals took a dramatic turn last night as the Oklahoma City Thunder evened the series against the Denver Nuggets with a thrilling Game 4 victory, 115-108. The game will be remembered for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's (SGA) absolutely breathtaking fourth-quarter performance, a display of offensive mastery that silenced the Denver crowd and injected fresh life into the Thunder's championship hopes.

The first three quarters were a back-and-forth affair, a nail-biting contest that saw both teams trading blows. Denver, led by the MVP Nikola Jokic, maintained a slight lead for much of the game, showcasing their usual dominant inside game. However, the Thunder, fueled by the electrifying energy of their home crowd, consistently fought back, keeping the game within reach. The Nuggets' strong perimeter defense presented challenges for OKC, limiting open looks for much of the game. But the Thunder's commitment to their defensive schemes and their relentless pursuit of rebounds kept them in contention.

<h3>SGA's Fourth-Quarter Masterclass</h3>

Then came the fourth. With the Thunder trailing by five points entering the final period, SGA took over. He scored 17 of his game-high 39 points in the decisive quarter, a scoring spree that included clutch three-pointers, acrobatic layups, and unstoppable drives to the basket. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to his incredible talent and unwavering determination. The Nuggets, despite Jokic's valiant efforts, struggled to contain SGA's explosiveness.

• Unstoppable Drives: SGA repeatedly sliced through the Nuggets' defense, drawing fouls and finishing at the rim with remarkable efficiency.
• Clutch Three-Pointers: His three-point shooting in the fourth was particularly deadly, silencing the Denver crowd with each successful shot.
• Leadership on Display: SGA’s leadership and confidence were infectious, inspiring his teammates to step up their game.

This wasn't just about scoring; SGA also demonstrated exceptional playmaking, finding open teammates for crucial baskets. His all-around performance was a clinic in championship-level basketball. The Nuggets' defense, normally impenetrable, seemed to crumble under the pressure of SGA's relentless attack.

<h3>Jokic's Strong Performance, But Not Enough</h3>

Nikola Jokic continued his impressive Finals run, finishing with a triple-double, showcasing his unparalleled skillset. However, even his exceptional performance wasn't enough to counter SGA's explosive fourth quarter. The Nuggets' supporting cast struggled to consistently provide scoring support, leaving Jokic with an enormous burden. The lack of consistent offensive production from the supporting players became a key factor in Denver's defeat.

<h3>What's Next?</h3>

The series is now tied 2-2, setting the stage for an electrifying Game 5 back in Denver. The Nuggets will need to find a way to effectively neutralize SGA's offensive threat and generate more consistent scoring from their supporting players. The Thunder, buoyed by their Game 4 victory and SGA's heroics, will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their improbable Finals run. The series is far from over, promising more exciting basketball in the days to come. Will SGA continue his dominance? Can the Nuggets regain control? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for Game 5!

Keywords: NBA Finals, Game 4, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SGA, Nikola Jokic, NBA Playoffs, basketball, sports news, series tied, championship

Related Articles: (Links to hypothetical articles on your site)

• [Link to: Nikola Jokic's MVP Season: A Statistical Deep Dive]
• [Link to: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Rise to Superstardom]

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