Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke with reporters Tuesday afternoon ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, reinforcing a mindset of flexibility and resilience as the series shifts to Indiana.
Following a dominant 34-point performance in Game 2 that helped even the series 1-1, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the challenges of anticipating a defense that constantly shifts. “You kind of just have to be ready for everything and just try to be as sharp as you can,” he said.
The 26-year-old MVP noted that overthinking opponents’ game plans can backfire. “I found myself trying to predict what they’re going to do before, almost like—it almost catches you off guard,” he added.
With Oklahoma City now needing three more wins to secure the franchise’s first championship since moving from Seattle, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about maintaining a fresh perspective as the Finals progress. “The goal is to get to three games, and it’s first team to three,” he said. “It’s a blank slate. It’s a scratch.”
Asked about guarding Pascal Siakam on switches, the Thunder guard credited the Pacers forward’s versatility but remained focused on fundamentals. “You just try to make it difficult for them… It’s a hard job, but if you want to win, you’ve got to get it done,” he said.
The Western Conference champions bounced back in Game 2 with a 123-107 victory at home. Gilgeous-Alexander became the 2025 postseason’s leading scorer, while the Thunder bench made key contributions led by Alex Caruso’s 20 points.
Speaking on Caruso, Gilgeous-Alexander praised his teammate’s elite defensive instincts. “He knows where all 10 guys are supposed to be,” he said. “It’s literally a talent of his to feel the game the way he does defensively.”
Oklahoma City’s youth has been a recurring storyline this postseason. Asked if the team has another level to reach, the Thunder guard responded affirmatively. “We have not once yet played a perfect basketball game or had a perfect series,” he said. “There’s definitely plenty of room to get better.”
As the series heads to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Indiana will host its first NBA Finals game since 2000, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized continual growth. “If we struggled in an area, that’s an area we can get better at,” he said. “And we have to attack that opportunity.”
Game 3 tips off Wednesday with the series tied, and both teams looking to seize momentum in a pivotal matchup.
