Shai’s 38-Point Blitz Powers Thunder to Commanding 2-0 Series Lead Over Timberwolves

The game concluded with a score of 118-103, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the season’s MVP, tallied 38 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a comfortable victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, thus securing a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference finals.

“I was really feeling a mix of emotions, and I did start to feel a bit fatigued, especially at the beginning,” noted Gilgeous-Alexander. “I might have been a bit overly energized. It was a special moment, and I’m glad we won, allowing me to truly relish the last few days and soak it all in. That definitely helps.”

Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren chipped in 22 points for the Thunder.

Isaiah Hartenstein, the German center, ended the night with six points and eight rebounds, which was comparable to French player Rudy Gobert’s five points and nine rebounds for Minnesota.

For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards scored 32 points, while Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 22 and 17 points, respectively. Minnesota will look to even the series at home, although it’s a daunting challenge.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored five consecutive points in the final 16 seconds of the first half, giving Oklahoma City an eight-point lead at 58-50, which set the tone for the remainder of the game.

“We didn’t finish the half strong,” remarked Minnesota coach Chris Finch. “If we had closed out the half better, we wouldn’t have put ourselves in such a precarious situation heading into the third quarter.”