The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Monday to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Thunder are now one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant in Game 4, finishing with 40 points and 10 assists while shooting 13-of-30 from the field, 2-of-7 from 3 and 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.
The last player to win MVP and Finals MVP in the same season was LeBron James back in 2013 when The King was with the Miami Heat. Only time will tell if Gilgeous-Alexander can accomplish that feat this year.
After the Thunder won Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander signed some autographs for fans near OKC's bus. Video emerged on Tuesday of SGA being heckled by some fans, who yelled, "How much you pay the refs?"
Timberwolves fans chanted "free-throw merchant" at Gilgeous-Alexander when the All-Star was at the free-throw line in Games 3 and 4 in Minnesota.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA this season in made free throws and free throws per game.
During his media session with reporters after Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about the free-throw merchant label.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
“In terms of the label, I don’t care," SGA said. "Never cared. I’ve shot more free throws than I did this season. Because we’re on the top of people’s radar, it’s a little more noticeable… kind of see it as a compliment.”
Game 5 between the Thunder and Timberwolves is on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
It will be fascinating to see if OKC wins to advance to the NBA finals or if Minnesota wins on the road to force a Game 6.