Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped off a spectacular January with a stunning 4th quarter comeback for his Oklahoma City Thunder. To date, they have won 114-88 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the NBA Western Conference finals. After a tough first half, the Thunder rebounded with great intensity. Gilgeous-Alexander dazzled on offense, tallying 31 points, including 20 in the second half alone.
The game wasn’t just any game, but rather the sixth game of an exciting best-of-seven series. It’ll determine what team advances in the playoffs! And after that “rusty” first half, the Thunder missed their next 11 three-point attempts. They settled into their niche, found their rhythm and worked their game plan, winning in style and comfort.
Here’s what the team’s leader, Gilgeous-Alexander, had to say in his post-game interview with ESPN on the court immediately following the game. He acknowledged their initial struggles, stating, “Honestly we were a bit rusty in the first half but we shouldn’t be.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining aggression and trusting in their preparation, noting, “We were missing layups, free throws. We just needed to keep being aggressive and trust our work.”
As the team looks ahead to Game Two, which is scheduled for Friday at 01:30 BST in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the need for adjustments from both sides. He remarked, “Game ones are feel-out games. In game two they’re going to make adjustments and we’re going to have adjustments. It’s a series and it’s best-of-seven, not first to one.”
Gilgeous-Alexander was predictably ecstatic as he celebrated the upset win. He acknowledged that this powerful launch should remind us that the work is just beginning. He voiced optimism about his players being able to safely get better as the series warms up.
Leave a Reply