Shai Gilgeous-Alexander described his MVP presentation and Game 2 performance as a “special moment” after leading the Thunder to a 118-103 victory Thursday night.
The newly crowned Most Valuable Player admitted his emotions ran high, saying, “I was a little too juiced up… I’m happy we won so I can really enjoy the last couple days.”
He tallied 38 points on 12-for-21 shooting and 13-for-15 from the line, as Oklahoma City seized a 2-0 series lead over Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals.
Asked about transitioning from celebration to competition, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized team focus: “We just prioritize what matters… all the individual stuff you want—it comes with it.”
He credited his early poise to leaning on teammates rather than forcing shots, saying, “I just didn’t want to force the issue—let the game come to me.”
In a nod to teammate Jalen Williams, who posted 26 points and 10 rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander praised his fourth-quarter surge: “He’s stepping into his own… being confident, making big-time plays.”
When reflecting on the third-quarter dominance, which included a 35-21 run, the MVP noted the Thunder’s defensive identity: “Our team really enjoys playing defense and finds it very fun.”
The 26-year-old also acknowledged Lu Dort’s All-Defense First Team selection, calling it the happiest moment of the season: “Lu’s been what he’s been this year his whole career… to see him finally get the recognition that he deserves is very special.”
The night also featured a surprise appearance from Chris Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander’s mentor during the 2020 bubble run, which he called “amazing” and joked about being caught off guard at first.
“He’s always there to lean on,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Paul. “Not only basketball advice—like business advice, taking care of your body, handling a family.”
With Oklahoma City now two wins from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, Gilgeous-Alexander made clear that the team is sticking to its mindset: “We’ve built the muscle of just focusing on the next game.”
His wife Hailey, the namesake of his signature shoe colorway, was also on his mind as he dropped 38 in her honor: “She’s been my rock… one of those silent voices that doesn’t get the recognition.”
The Thunder will look to extend their lead in Game 3 on Saturday in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves will try to avoid falling into a 3-0 deficit—a hole no team has ever escaped.
