Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first four shot attempts against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
One of three finalists for MVP and likely the winner when it is announced, Gilgeous-Alexander was a not-very-MVP-like 2-for-13 shooting in the first half. It matched the most missed shots for him in a half this season.
But it’s the NBA Western Conference finals, deep in the playoffs and that happens. He kept at it, trusting his game and trusting his teammates and eventually helping himself and his teammates.
Gilgeous-Alexander rediscovered his offensive touch in the second half, starting with a 12-point third quarter and finishing with a 20-point second half on 8-for-14 shooting as the Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
“He’s got a great emotional temperament,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “I’ve always marveled at that about him. … he just keeps himself in it. He doesn’t get emotional. He just plays the next play.
‘I thought he was really in attack mode tonight. He did a great job of pounding the paint with the ball. He had a good blend, especially in the second half of his early passes, but he was really driving it and putting a lot of pressure on them, which is what you have to do against that level of pressure and physicality.”
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. Eleven of his points came at the free throw line, validating Daigneault’s claim that his leader and star was in attack mode.
It was his eighth 30-point game of the playoffs, and his fourth consecutive playoff game with at least 30 points.
“Obviously, (my shot) wasn’t falling like it usually does and I would like it to,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s part of the game. Nothing really in my mindset. I just tried to continue to be aggressive, continue to trust my work and it worked out for me in the second (half).”
In a battle of stars, the Thunder won Round 1. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards had a quiet 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting. He needs to be better if the Timberwolves are going to win a game on the road against the West’s top seed.
Of course the game is more than two players. Oklahoma City’s league-best defense held the Timberwolves under 90 points and to just 40 in the second half, and its impressive starting five and versatile depth played significant roles in the result. Four starters reached double figures, and All-Star Jalen Williams had 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. Five reserves played at least 10 minutes.
But you need stars – a team’s best player – to help you win games, especially in May.
That’s what Gilgeous-Alexander did as the Thunder pulled away late in the third quarter and into the fourth. During a 20-6 OKC run to end the third, Gilgeous-Alexander had nine points.
“He’s a great player that just stays present,” Daigneault said. “If you’re worried about your efficiency, you’re worried about the past or the future and he’s a very present player. He just plays the possession in front of him. He doesn’t really change his game. He doesn’t change his mindset. I thought that was on full display tonight and he was huge for us.”
Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt