Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke candidly Saturday about Oklahoma City’s mindset heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals following their one-point loss to the Indiana Pacers.
The Thunder star, who finished with 38 points in Game 1, said the atmosphere of sharing the Finals stage with fellow Canadian Andrew Nembhard lived up to his childhood expectations.
“The stage, the moment, what’s at stake—it’s all things you dream about as a kid, and it was everything I imagined it to be,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
During the second half, the two exchanged a brief physical moment on the court. Gilgeous-Alexander called it a reflection of the stakes involved.
“Nothing more than two guys wanting to win. No malicious intent behind it—just wanting to win,” he explained.
Asked whether Nembhard’s calm demeanor masks his competitiveness, the MVP didn’t hesitate.
“He’s a competitor. He’s a winner. Plays the game the right way on both ends of the floor. Really good player. But yeah, he’s a winner for sure, no doubt.”
The Thunder have been known for their resiliency after losses, and Gilgeous-Alexander said that while coach Mark Daigneault’s comments about their consistency are valid, the pain of defeat brings urgency.
“The losses hurt a little bit more,” he said. “You try to get better through them. It’s a lot easier to learn from a loss than it is from a win.”
Looking to even the series, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that he won’t change his approach in Game 2, despite being the focus of Indiana’s defense.
“I always try to be aggressive and I never predetermine. I always just let the game tell me what to do,” he said.
He also addressed missing a late shot in Game 1 before Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner sealed the Pacers’ comeback.
“I shot the ball, I missed it. It’s written in history. There’s nothing I can do now. All I can do is try to be better on the next shot,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated.
The MVP added that processing losses has become second nature and emphasized the team’s shared commitment to improvement.
“I let the game go as soon as I learn the lessons from it. The team makes it easy. We all have the same goal in mind and we all know what it takes to win games,” he said.
Game 2 tips off Sunday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will aim to even the series before it shifts to Indiana.
