Thunder Rally from 3-1 Deficit to Tie Playoff Series

DENVER, CO — The Oklahoma City Thunder turned a potential playoff disaster into a comeback victory on Sunday, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to tie their Western Conference second-round matchup with the Denver Nuggets at 2-2.

In a pivotal Game 4, the Thunder relied on their bench to mount a comeback after trailing 69-63 at the end of the third quarter. Despite a lackluster performance from most of the starters aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the bench players stepped up significantly. Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins formed a crucial trio that spearheaded the Thunder’s fourth-quarter resurgence.

Caruso, who replaced a struggling Lu Dort, played the entire final quarter, showcasing his versatility and experience. Wallace provided the Thunder with a go-ahead 3-pointer that shifted the momentum, while Wiggins contributed vital scoring in the latter stages of the game. Coach Mark Daigneault praised his bench, saying, “They were huge… they really delivered for us.”

The Thunder’s bench, compared to Denver’s, proved to be a decisive factor throughout the game. While the Thunder’s reserves scored in double figures, the Nuggets’ bench combined for just eight points. This fatigue was evident as the game advanced, especially after both teams played an exhausting overtime match just 36 hours prior.

“It was a role player game,” said Nuggets interim coach David Adelman, acknowledging the Thunder’s ability to leverage their bench effectively. “We made a very intentional effort to use our depth today,” Daigneault added, highlighting the team’s strategy to keep their starters fresh.

Denver started strong but fell short as Oklahoma City’s depth shined. With stars like Nikola Jokic struggling to find rhythm, the Thunder seized their opportunity. Wallace’s shooting and Wiggins’ all-around contribution played key roles in the Thunder’s gritty 75-71 win.

The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, with both teams poised for a fierce battle as they fight for control of the series. Daigneault remains confident in his team’s depth, stating, “We have a lot of guys that can play and do a lot of things on the floor.”