Context:

In a crucial Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame previous struggles to lead his team to victory, tying the playoff series at 2-2. Despite shooting inefficiencies, especially from beyond the arc, he scored a team-high 25 points, with nine crucial points in the final quarter to secure the win. The Thunder demonstrated resilience, as they managed to avoid a daunting 3-1 series deficit. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance underscores his importance to the team, despite his postseason statistics not quite reaching his regular-season highs. His efforts highlight both his potential as an MVP candidate and the Thunder's ability to adapt and persevere in challenging playoff scenarios.

Dive Deeper:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced a challenging Game 3, where he was held to 18 points in an overtime loss, raising concerns about his performance under playoff pressure.

• In Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the occasion by scoring 25 points, despite a less-than-ideal shooting percentage, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-stakes situations.

• The Thunder and Nuggets made history with the lowest combined first-quarter score in NBA playoff history, yet Gilgeous-Alexander managed to match the Nuggets' first-quarter points, giving the Thunder an early lead.

• Despite the Thunder losing their early advantage and trailing by six points entering the final quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander's decisive nine points in the last quarter were pivotal in turning the game around.

• His postseason scoring averages have dipped compared to his regular-season performance, with notable declines in shooting efficiency, particularly from the three-point line.

• Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and scoring are crucial for the Thunder as they navigate the playoffs, needing him to return to his regular-season form to overcome increasingly difficult opponents.

• The Thunder's success in finding ways to win, despite Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring slump, underscores the team's depth and resilience, providing hope for their playoff aspirations.