Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about Wednesday’s 119-109 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, emphasizing the shift in game flow and execution. “Honestly speaking, I think we didn’t start, the start was kind of like fool’s gold. Like we made some shots and they missed some wide open ones and we had like a 10-point lead, but it didn’t like personally didn’t feel like it,” he said.
Gilgeous-Alexander described how the Celtics gained control mid-game. “Once the game settled into it, it felt like they got where they wanted for the majority of the game. And against a good team, that’s never the recipe,” he noted, highlighting Boston’s ability to exploit defensive gaps.
On his offensive efficiency, Gilgeous-Alexander explained, “I just go out there and play basketball and let the game tell me what to do. Like if they’re heavy loading off somebody, I pass it. If there’s room to go play, I go play. Try to make a play. It’s as simple as that for me.” He added that his role includes helping teammates maintain rhythm, mentioning, “Guys like Dub, like Chet, I don’t feel like they had a good bot to their game today and it’s my job to make sure those guys are flowing and in rhythm.”
The Thunder struggled with Boston’s defense, particularly against Jaylen Brown, who scored 14 of his 31 points in the third quarter. “He’s done a really good job of getting to the free throw line. Especially against us. I think it’s 14 twice. So 28 free throws in two games. It’s a pretty good job,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. He also noted Brown’s ability to find scoring spots: “He was getting to his spots. He was in the teeth of the defense. Yeah, good player.”
Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his personal growth since last season. “The game just comes easier. The game’s slower, the coverages, the decision-making, the manipulation of the game. Everything just feels slower for sure,” he said, highlighting his increased comfort and understanding on the floor.
He also discussed the importance of home court in the playoffs. “It’s very important. We needed game seven at home against Denver… if you want to come out the West, you’re going to have to beat them,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained, emphasizing strategic preparation for postseason matchups.
Regarding the intensity of facing Boston, he added, “Every time you play the Boston Celtics, you get a playoff feel no matter what day it is. They’re super well coached. They have really good players… they bring it every night no matter who’s out there.”
Despite leading the Western Conference, Gilgeous-Alexander sees opportunities in the stretch run. “Last year I had too much time off before the playoff game… this year San Antonio is close behind us, so we got to use these opportunities to grow regardless,” he said.
