Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed precisely why he simply received MVP, dropping 38 factors the day after snagging the league’s high honor.
The Thunder rolled over the Timberwolves once more, 118–103 on Thursday night time at Paycom Middle, and now they’re simply two wins away from an NBA Finals berth.
Shai was in all places, after he went 12-21 from the sector, 13-15 on the line, plus recorded eight assists and three steals, actually not a nasty option to rejoice getting your trophy in entrance of a raucous residence crowd earlier than tip-off.
“I really feel like all my feelings had been so excessive, however I used to be somewhat bit drained on the market, particularly at first,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “I used to be somewhat too juiced up. Particular second. I’m comfortable we received so I can actually benefit from the final couple days and soak it up. That basically helps.”
Jalen Williams chipped in with a powerful 26-point, 10-rebound night time, and Chet Holmgren added 22 for OKC.
By way of two video games, the Thunder have outscored Minnesota by a mixed 41 factors. And only for context—when a workforce wins the primary two video games of a sequence by 15+ factors, historical past’s on their aspect: 44 of the final 48 groups in that spot went on to win, per ESPN.
“While you win video games, you do it collectively and you’ve got enjoyable on the market,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “Every part else, all the person stuff you need, it comes with it.”
For the Wolves, Anthony Edwards led the best way with 32 factors, although it took him 26 photographs to get there. Jaden McDaniels added 22, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker put up 17.
Shai closed the primary half with a dagger three, then knocked down two free throws simply earlier than the buzzer to provide OKC a 58–50 lead. He had 19 earlier than halftime.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch wasn’t thrilled with how his workforce completed the second quarter and his workforce might want to do extra in Recreation 3 to carry off a sweep.
“We didn’t shut the half very effectively,” he mentioned. “I believed if we shut the half higher then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge within the third.”
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