Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted execution and ball movement after the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the New York Knicks 103-100 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Thunder improved to 49-15 and extended their winning streak to four games behind 26 points from Gilgeous-Alexander and 28 from Chet Holmgren.
Oklahoma City established its rhythm early by generating open looks for Holmgren, who tied a career high with six three-pointers.
“They’re a heavy shell team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We were penetrating like we always do and making the right play for each other.”
The All-Star guard said the ball movement allowed the Thunder’s 7-foot-1 forward to get comfortable quickly.
“He got some good looks early, got it rolling and then just carried the momentum,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
New York adjusted defensively throughout the game, sending traps and double teams at the Thunder’s primary scorer.
“Late game they were sending a lot of doubles,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I felt like I hadn’t got a shot in a long time and I wanted to have my imprint on the game.”
That moment came late in the fourth quarter when he created space for a step-back jumper.
“A screen came so I tried to reject it to get space,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “OG was chasing to cut me off, so I knew I had to step back and stepped into it and knocked it down.”
The Knicks had success during a 40-point third quarter that erased a 15-point deficit, but Oklahoma City regained control in the final period.
“We were able to get stops and keep them out of transition,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Once we got back and set our defense, we made them play over the top of us.”
The Thunder also received key contributions from role players throughout the night.
Kenrich Williams stepped into extended minutes and made several key plays off the bench.
“He answered the call,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Whenever his number’s called, he’s ready.”
Oklahoma City has dealt with injuries during the season, but the roster depth has helped maintain its position atop the Western Conference.
“The amount of injuries we’ve gone through this year and still being in the mix for a top seed is pretty impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
He credited teammates such as Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace for stepping up in larger roles when needed.
“If the team asks them to do more they do more,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If the team asks them to do less they do less.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also addressed the challenge of facing a Knicks team currently third in the Eastern Conference.
“They’re a good team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “A good offense and really good defenders. They’re at the top of the East for a reason.”
Playing at Madison Square Garden remains a unique experience for the Thunder star.
“The Garden is fun to play at because of the aroma of the building,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “All the historic games that have happened here make it a get-up game for sure.”
When asked about the legacy he hopes to build, the MVP candidate kept the answer simple.
“Ultimately just a winner,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “That’s all I really care about.”
