OKC Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game 4: Lineup Strategy and Matchup Breakdown Ahead of Game 5

Thunder Hold Steady With Their Starting Lineup

Heading into a pressurized Game 4 on the road, the Oklahoma City Thunder kept faith in the group that brought them this far: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Plenty of fans and analysts wondered if Thunder coach Mark Daigneault would shake things up, considering Minnesota’s imposing frontcourt, but he decided against any major changes. Instead, he bet on chemistry and defense. The decision wasn’t made lightly; the Timberwolves’ physicality, especially with Rudy Gobert at center, has been a major talking point all series long.

This double-big Thunder lineup, with both Holmgren and Hartenstein up front, drew plenty of scrutiny after the opening games. Conversations revolved around whether Oklahoma City would have enough muscle and rebounding to match up with Gobert’s size and Julius Randle’s energy on the glass. Still, the Thunder’s speed and perimeter defense have been their secret weapon. Lu Dort’s bulldog mentality and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s veteran poise offer a strong mix, and Chet Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor on offense creates tricky matchup problems for traditional big men.

Timberwolves Rely on Physicality and Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves have stuck to what works as well. Their starting five featured Anthony Edwards at guard—he’s been their go-to scorer and emotional leader—joined by Jaden McDaniels on the wing, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt, along with another guard to keep the ball moving and the floor spaced. While McDaniels and Randle bring length and athleticism, Gobert anchors the paint on both ends. That combination, especially in their home arena packed with hyped-up fans, has been giving opponents headaches all postseason.

All eyes were on how the Thunder could handle Minnesota’s early aggression, especially with the Timberwolves looking to use a raucous Target Center crowd to their advantage. Randle attacking the glass, Gobert controlling the paint, and Edwards looking for opportunities in transition forced the Thunder to tighten up their defensive rotations right out of the gate.

The strategic chess match between the Thunder’s balance and Minnesota’s frontcourt punch took center stage in Game 4. Rotations off the bench—specifically how quickly each coach adjusted their lineups if foul trouble or cold shooting crept in—proved just as important as the starters’ battles.

With the series returning to the OKC Thunder for a crucial Game 5 at the Paycom Center, the stakes have skyrocketed. A 3-1 lead gives Oklahoma City a real chance at closing things out in front of their fans. But Minnesota isn’t about to roll over, not with the heart of their lineup intact. The Timberwolves will try to make things physical, push the tempo, and force a Game 6 back on their court. The Thunder, meanwhile, are counting on their core group, hoping trust and consistency will be enough to punch their ticket to the Finals. Whatever happens, the lineup decisions made here could echo for years in both organizations.