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The Oklahoma City Thunder clawed their way to a hard-fought 92-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 on Sunday, electrifying the crowd and dramatically leveling the Western Conference Semifinals series at 2-2. The win sets the stage for a captivating Game 5 back in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to seize the series lead.

This wasn't a comfortable victory for the Thunder. The Nuggets, led by a determined Nikola Jokic, pushed the Thunder to the brink, showcasing their championship mettle. However, the Thunder’s resilience and clutch performances proved to be the difference.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again spearheaded the Thunder's attack, pouring in 25 points and showcasing his signature blend of scoring and playmaking. His ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates was crucial in the Thunder’s success. He consistently drew double teams, and when he passed, his teammates were ready to capitalize.

Alex Karabatic provided a spark off the bench, contributing valuable minutes and hustle plays that energized the Thunder's defense. While his scoring wasn't the main focus, his defensive effort and rebounding were instrumental in containing the Nuggets' offensive firepower.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Nuggets' Jokic, despite being double-teamed relentlessly, managed to rack up impressive numbers, demonstrating his all-around dominance. However, the Thunder’s improved defensive intensity in the second half, particularly on the boards, helped them gain the upper hand.

Key Moments:

• The Thunder’s strong rebounding in the fourth quarter proved pivotal, limiting the Nuggets' second-chance opportunities.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls and convert free throws down the stretch kept the Thunder ahead.
• Defensive adjustments by the Thunder coaching staff effectively disrupted the Nuggets' offensive flow in critical moments.

Looking Ahead: With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 promises to be a classic showdown. The Thunder will need to maintain their defensive intensity and continue to rely on Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess while ensuring balanced contributions from the rest of the team. The Nuggets, on the other hand, will need to find ways to generate more consistent offense and limit Gilgeous-Alexander's impact. The home-court advantage now swings back to Oklahoma City, giving the Thunder a slight edge as they vie for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.

Check out the best images from Game 4!