Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized focus and energy out of halftime as the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed past the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Speaking postgame, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the team’s renewed effort after a slow start, particularly in the third quarter.
“We haven’t had the greatest of third quarters this playoff run,” he said. “We wanted to make that an emphasis — come out of halftime with a punch.”
The All-NBA guard scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half after going 3-of-13 before the break.
He credited the turnaround to persistence: “We didn’t panic. We missed a bunch of layups, missed free throws, but we knew if we stuck with it, they would eventually fall.”
When asked about his approach to navigating a playoff game, Gilgeous-Alexander explained, “It’s always a chess match out there. You read, react, and adjust. They make a move, you make a move.”
He also pointed to the increased physicality from the Timberwolves compared to their previous opponent.
“It felt different from jump, more pressure-oriented. But at the end of the night, it’s basketball — they throw you a problem and you have to solve it.”
The Thunder’s defensive intensity stifled Minnesota in the second half, with Anthony Edwards attempting just one shot in the fourth quarter.
Asked about Edwards’ limited role late, Gilgeous-Alexander responded, “Good player though. He’ll play better than he played tonight. It’s a long series.”
Bench production played a key role in the win, and Gilgeous-Alexander singled out Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe for their readiness.
“We don’t win this game without those two guys,” he said. “They’ve been who they are all year, and that’s tough to do through the ups and downs.”
He also highlighted the versatility of the Thunder’s rotation, which went smaller than usual and held Minnesota to 20 points in the paint.
“Coach has done that all year — mix up lineups,” he said. “And for us, it was seamless because we’ve done it all year.”
Chet Holmgren was instrumental in the fourth quarter, drawing praise from his teammate.
“When he’s his best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves as a unit,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He affects the game every night, every possession.”
Asked about his own leadership style, he said, “Not always the loudest guy… but my energy and effort on the floor speaks louder than anything.”
With Game 2 scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City, the Thunder will look to build on their dominant second half and maintain homecourt advantage.
