NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves again, winning 118-103 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander was handed his MVP trophy from Commissioner Adam Silver before the game and shone, scoring at least 30 points for a fifth straight play-off game.
“I feel like all my emotions were so high, but I was a little bit tired out there, especially at the start,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
🏆 PLAYOFF BRACKET 🏆
Thunder take a 2-0 lead in the West Finals
The #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google continue Friday with Pacers/Knicks Game 2 at 8:00pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/SPJPmxeyvN
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“I was a little too juiced up. It’s a special moment. I’m happy we won so I can really enjoy the last couple days and soak it up. That really helps.”
Jalen Williams scored 26 points and collected 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 points for the Thunder.
“When you win games, you do it together and you have fun out there, everything else – all the individual stuff you want – it comes with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Game 3 is on Saturday night in Minneapolis, and Minnesota coach Chris Finch remains optimistic his side can mount a comeback.
“We didn’t close the first half very well,” he said. “I thought if we close the half better then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge in the third.
“Every minute in a series is a chance to find something, so we’re going to go back home.
“This is a good team at home. So we’re going to go home and fight for Game 3. Heads up, look at the tape and get ready for Game 3.”
The winners of the Western finals will face either the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers in the Finals.
