After falling 113-104 in overtime to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged both personal accountability and the emotional dynamics of playoff basketball.
Speaking to reporters postgame, the MVP finalist addressed the closing moments of regulation and overtime where Oklahoma City failed to convert on key possessions.
“I didn’t do a good enough job of that tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, referring to late-game execution. “That’s the main reason for the outcome.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 7-of-22 from the field and missed a potential game-winner in regulation, was candid about the Thunder’s reliance on jump shots down the stretch.
He admitted, “The most reliable thing is the paint and the rim,” adding that he failed to attack enough in those critical moments.
Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 32 points, but saw limited touches late, something Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on during his availability.
“Dub was amazing tonight… Sure, he probably could have touched the ball a little bit more because of how he had it rolling,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If I also make those shots, it’s not even a discussion.”
Despite the team’s offensive stagnation in overtime—where the Thunder scored just two points—Gilgeous-Alexander remained composed as he exited the court.
“Some fans were taunting me,” he said. “It’s easy to taunt when you’re up. I don’t ever want to show them that I’m defeated or mad or anything like that.”
Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of bouncing back in Game 4, noting that the series remains open.
“This is three games in a row we’ve had control of the game late… and two of them we’ve let slip,” he said. “We can find ways to close games better.”
He also addressed the Nuggets’ defensive tactics, including box-and-one looks and help pressure, conceding the team needs to “fight for space and use our pace to get better shots.”
When asked about the physicality of the matchup—particularly between Luguentz Dort and Jamal Murray—Gilgeous-Alexander deferred, focusing instead on team-wide improvement.
“They have to make [Murray] uncomfortable,” he said. “But we have guys… that do that for a living and are the best in the league at it.”
Still optimistic, Gilgeous-Alexander reaffirmed confidence in his teammates ahead of Game 4.
“There’s no group of guys I trust to answer the call more than the guys in the locker room,” he said. “And I’m very excited for the challenge.”
The Thunder, now trailing 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinal, will look to even the series Sunday night in Denver.
