Thunder roll again at home, grab 2-0 lead on Wolves
REUTERS – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was presented with the NBA Most Valuable Player Award before Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday.
Then the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar went out and showed why he earned the award.
Gilgeous-Alexander tied his career playoff high with 38 points to help the Thunder beat the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“I thought about coming out and just forcing the first couple shots,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander leaned heavily on his supporting cast early, attempting just three shots through the midpoint of the second quarter.
It was far from a one-man show, as Jalen Williams finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30 or more points in five consecutive games, tying the longest such streak in franchise playoff history. He already shared the marks with Gus Williams.
Minnesota star Anthony Edwards finished with 32 points, shooting 12 of 26 from the floor but just 1 of 9 on 3-point attempts. He also contributed nine rebounds and six assists.
Now, heading into Game 3 today in Minneapolis, the Thunder are two wins away from the NBA Finals and six away from the franchise’s first title since 1979 when it was based in Seattle.