Shai Gilgeous Alexander On Receiving MVP Trophy Before Game 2 Win My Emotions Were So High

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 on Thursday night in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was presented the MVP trophy before the game, scored 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting. 

“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. “I was a little too juiced up. Special moment. I’m happy we won so I can really enjoy the last couple days and soak it up.”

Jalen Williams added 26 points and 10 rebounds, with Chet Holmgren adding 22 points.

Lu Dort was also named to the NBA’s first-team all-defense earlier on Thursday.

The Thunder have now won the opening two games by a combined total of 41 points.

Anthony Edwards finished with 32 points on 26 shots.

Chris Finch said that the Wolves lost the game in how they closed the first half. 

“We didn’t close the half very well,” said Finch. “I thought if we close the half better then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge in the third.”

Game 3 is on Saturday.