Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed precisely why he simply gained MVP, dropping 38 factors the day after snagging the league’s prime honor.
The Thunder rolled over the Timberwolves once more, 118–103 on Thursday evening 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 method to rejoice getting your trophy in entrance of a raucous dwelling crowd earlier than tip-off.
“I really feel like all my feelings have been so excessive, however I used to be slightly bit drained on the market, particularly at the beginning,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “I used to be slightly too juiced up. Particular second. I’m blissful we gained so I can actually benefit from the final couple days and soak it up. That basically helps.”
Jalen Williams chipped in with a robust 26-point, 10-rebound evening, and Chet Holmgren added 22 for OKC.
Via two video games, the Thunder have outscored Minnesota by a mixed 41 factors. And only for context—when a staff wins the primary two video games of a sequence by 15+ factors, historical past’s on their facet: 44 of the final 48 groups in that spot went on to win, per ESPN.
“Once you win video games, you do it collectively and you’ve got enjoyable on the market,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “Every little thing else, all the person stuff you need, it comes with it.”
For the Wolves, Anthony Edwards led the way in which 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 offer OKC a 58–50 lead. He had 19 earlier than halftime.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch wasn’t thrilled with how his staff completed the second quarter and his staff might want to do extra in Sport 3 to carry off a sweep.
“We didn’t shut the half very properly,” he stated. “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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