Former Virginia Tech men’s basketball standout fuels playoff win with perfect night

Former Virginia Tech standout Nickel Alexander-Walker had a perfect night for the Timberwolves on Monday night.
Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickel Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickel Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

It seems like the bigger the stage, the more former Virginia Tech men’s basketball star Nickel Alexander-Walker shines in 2024-25. Earlier this year, he had a huge night against the Denver Nuggets 

As the playoffs have gone along for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker is once again becoming a vital part of coach Chris Finch’s rotation off the bench. On Monday night, with the Timberwolves looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Golden State Warriors, he once again stepped up, and this time, he did it with a perfect night. 

Former Virginia Tech standout Nickel Alexander-Walker had a perfect night in the Timberwolves' Game 4 win

Playing without Steph Curry for another game, the Warriors were looking to even the series before going back to Minnesota for Game 5, facing elimination. Thanks to Alexander-Walker, that will be the case for Golden State after Minnesota's 117-110 win.

Alexander-Walker was literally perfect for Finch and the Timberwolves, scoring 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting, hitting his only 3-pointer, and knocking down both free throws. Minnesota withstood a Warriors rally in the fourth quarter after Minnesota put up a dominating third quarter to build a big lead.

Minnesota can close out the series in five games on Wednesday night at home to get back to the Western Conference Final for a second straight year after being bounced by the Dallas Mavericks last season. They are looking at a matchup against the winner of the other Western Conference semifinal between Oklahoma City and Denver.

Alexander-Walker has been a big piece of Minnesota’s rotation off the bench the last couple of seasons, and it is continuing this postseason. Without Curry, Golden State is in trouble heading back to the Twin Cities, and thanks to Alexander-Walker’s perfect Monday evening in the Bay Area, Minnesota is looking to close out the series and get some rest before the next round.