nba scores

**HEADLINE: Thunder Strike Twice: Oklahoma City Dominates Game 4, Pushes Celtics to the Brink of Elimination** **BOSTON** — The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from their first NBA title in franchise history. Behind a masterclass performance from superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics 112–104 on Wednesday night at TD Garden, taking a commanding 3–1 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals. In a series defined by grit and tactical adjustments, Game 4 was a showcase of the Thunder’s poise and depth. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a game-high 38 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, dissecting Boston’s top-rated defense with a relentless barrage of mid-range jumpers and calculated drives to the rim. “We knew they would come out with a lot of energy tonight, especially in front of this crowd,” Gilgeous-Alexander said during the post-game press conference. “Our goal was to weather the storm early and stay true to our identity. We aren't celebrating yet; we know the fourth win is always the hardest to get.” The game began as a defensive stalemate, with both teams struggling to find a rhythm. Boston, led by Jayson Tatum’s 26 points, held a narrow three-point lead at halftime. However, the momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren anchored a defensive unit that held the Celtics to just 18 points in the period. Holmgren, who finished with five blocks and 14 rebounds, altered the geometry of the game, forcing Boston into contested perimeter shots rather than easy looks at the cup. Complementing the defensive effort was Jalen Williams, who scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. Every time the Celtics threatened to ignite a "Boston Garden" comeback, Williams responded with a timely bucket. His back-to-back three-pointers with five minutes remaining stretched the lead to double digits and effectively silenced the raucous home crowd. For the Celtics, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite a double-double from Kristaps Porziņģis and flashes of brilliance from Jaylen Brown, the team’s offensive execution faltered in the clutch. Boston shot a dismal 28% from beyond the arc, a statistic that head coach Joe Mazzulla identified as the turning point. “We got the looks we wanted, but in the Finals, you have to convert,” Mazzulla said. “Credit to OKC; they played with more discipline in the final twelve minutes. We have to fly to Oklahoma City with the mindset that it’s one game at a time. This series isn’t over until it’s over.” History, however, is not on Boston’s side. In the history of the NBA Finals, only one team has ever successfully overcome a 3–1 deficit—the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers. To force a Game 6, the Celtics will need to solve the Thunder’s defensive rotations and find a way to contain Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring gravity. The NBA world now shifts its gaze to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the city prepares for what could be its first championship parade. Game 5 is scheduled for Friday night at 9:00 PM ET. If the Thunder win, they will officially cement their status as the new dynasty of the Western Conference. If Boston survives, the series will return to Massachusetts for a Game 6 that would promise to be an instant classic. **Final Score:** OKC: 112 BOS: 104