Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed precisely why he simply gained 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 evening at Paycom Heart, 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, definitely not a foul technique to have fun getting your trophy in entrance of a raucous house crowd earlier than tip-off.
“I really feel like all my feelings have been so excessive, however I used to be a little bit bit drained on the market, particularly in the beginning,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “I used to be a little bit too juiced up. Particular second. I’m glad we gained so I can actually benefit from the final couple days and soak it up. That actually helps.”
Jalen Williams chipped in with a powerful 26-point, 10-rebound evening, and Chet Holmgren added 22 for OKC.
By two video games, the Thunder have outscored Minnesota by a mixed 41 factors. And only for context—when a group 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.
“Once you win video games, you do it collectively and you’ve got enjoyable on the market,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “Every 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 pictures 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 present OKC a 58–50 lead. He had 19 earlier than halftime.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch wasn’t thrilled with how his group completed the second quarter and his group might want to do extra in Sport 3 to carry off a sweep.
“We didn’t shut the half very properly,” he stated. “I assumed if we shut the half higher then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge within the third.”
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