Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s comeback after a slow start, leading them to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening game of the NBA Western Conference finals. Despite Minnesota’s strong first half, boosted by Julius Randle’s 20 points, the Thunder managed to overturn a 48-44 halftime deficit with a dominant second half.
The Thunder’s surge was powered by Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 20 of his total 31 points in the final two quarters, helping Oklahoma City secure a convincing 114-88 win. Reflecting on the first half, Gilgeous-Alexander admitted the team looked “a bit rusty,” noting missed layups and free throws, but emphasized the importance of staying aggressive and trusting their preparation.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a strong MVP contender, continued his impressive form by scoring 30 or more points for the fourth straight game. Alongside his scoring, he contributed five rebounds and led the game with nine assists, demonstrating his all-around impact on the court. He stressed the significance of the series format, highlighting that game one is just the start and that both teams will make adjustments as the series progresses.
The Thunder will look to build on their momentum when the second game is held in Oklahoma City on Friday. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged that while the win was encouraging, there is still a long way to go in this best-of-seven series.
ADD A COMMENT :