The Minnesota Timberwolves only lost Game 4 by two points. That is the smallest margin of victory in this series, and that was due to the back-and-forth game between them and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It was a tough result for the Timberwolves to suffer, but it is difficult not to chalk it up to their mistakes. They made several during Game 4, especially with their turnovers and lower level of hustle compared to the Thunder.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) looks to pass against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
The Timberwolves and Thunder might have tied with their offensive rebounds at 19 apiece, but it did not feel like that during the game. OKC kept fighting for the ball, and they kept capitalizing and deflating Minnesota's momentum.
Minnesota committed 21 turnovers during the game, which was significant in their struggles. They could not get into a rhythm because the Thunder's suffocating defense prevented them from building momentum.
DiVincenzo Knows The Gravity Of Losing The Ball
It is important to take care of the ball with defensive rebounds and when setting up the plays. That was a significant issue during Game 4 because the Timberwolves missed out on multiple chances to score, which was doubly crucial in a game that was separated by two points.
As one of the players who hustles for the ball for the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo knows how high-energy plays affect the game. Committing 21 turnovers is huge, and not boxing out was why they lost.
Coach Chris Finch echoed that sentiment because the Timberwolves are giving up the ball when they could easily secure it.
"They had 19 offensive rebounds, we had 21 turnovers, it doesn’t matter who’s going to score. You can’t win a game with those numbers right there," DiVincenzo said about the reason behind their loss.
Yes, the Thunder had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams scoring plenty of points, but DiVincenzo believes those players will keep scoring no matter what. He knows what they can control by taking care of the ball.
The Timberwolves Must Find The Right Balance In Game 5
Now that the series is back at Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Timberwolves must play perfect basketball. They must play with the high energy that got them the win in Game 3, but they must avoid being reckless.
The Thunder defense deserves all the plaudits because they force all these turnovers. However, the rest of the Timberwolves should know how to step up and help the primary ball handlers by showing they are ready to receive, while the others should do better box-outs.
The team is capable of great things, as seen in Game 3. Unfortunately, Oklahoma City is favored to win. It is time for the Timberwolves to shock the world, and they must do it three consecutive times.