Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a statement performance Thursday night, scoring 38 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The MVP received his trophy from Commissioner Adam Silver before tipoff, then backed it up by shooting 12-for-21 from the field and sinking 13 of 15 free throws.
Jalen Williams contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points as Oklahoma City took full control of the series.
The Thunder held Minnesota to 41.4% shooting, with Lu Dort and Williams showcasing the defensive form that earned them All-Defensive Team honors earlier in the day.
Anthony Edwards scored 32 points for the Timberwolves, but needed 26 attempts to reach that mark and made just one of nine from three-point range.
Jaden McDaniels had 22 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 17 off the bench, but Minnesota trailed nearly the entire contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander closed the first half with five quick points to give Oklahoma City a 58-50 lead at the break, finishing with 19 in the half.
In the third quarter, he converted a tough and-one layup over his cousin Alexander-Walker, pushing the lead to nine.
A fast-break alley-oop from Cason Wallace to Holmgren extended the margin to 82-65, and the Thunder led by 22 heading into the fourth.
Minnesota briefly cut the deficit to 10 in the final period, but Oklahoma City responded quickly to shut the door.
The Timberwolves will now return to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Saturday, where they have gone 4-1 this postseason.
The top-seeded Thunder, who finished the regular season 68-14, are two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads all scorers in the series and is averaging 36.5 points through two games.
Minnesota will need more efficient scoring and improved ball security after committing 14 turnovers in Game 2.
Oklahoma City, which shot 50% from the floor and recorded 30 assists on 45 made baskets, showed balance and composure throughout.
Game 3 at Target Center will be pivotal as the Timberwolves aim to avoid a 3-0 hole that no team in NBA history has ever overcome.
