SGA Doesn’t Want Thunder Getting Ahead of Themselves After Game 1 Win

The Thunder star scored 31 points in an emphatic Game 1 win.
SGA (2) scored 31 points in OKC’s Game 1 win.
SGA (2) scored 31 points in OKC’s Game 1 win. / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder star and finalist for NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a slow start to register a game-high 31 points on 10-of-27 shooting with nine assists and five rebounds as the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

The Thunder trailed by four at halftime before locking down the Timberwolves with their league-best defense in the second half. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 70-40 in the second half to win in a rout.

Gilgeous-Alexander spoke with ESPN's Lisa Salters in the immediate aftermath of the win, and while he was happy with the outcome, he acknowledged that he and his teammates still have a long series ahead.

"Game 1 is always a feel out game. Game 2...they're gonna have adjustments, we're gonna have adjustments," Gilgeous-Alexander began. "We're gonna feel that out. It's a series. It's best of seven, not first to one, and we know that, so it's a good start. We want to win every game we play—a good start, but a lot a lot a lot more work to do."

The Thunder will take their 1-0 lead into Game 2 on Thursday night.


More NBA Playoffs on Sports Illustrated

feed


Published
Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.