MVP Gilgeous-Alexander Lifts Thunder to Game 2 Victory Over Timberwolves
Foxton News — Just a day after being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a performance worthy of the title, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The victory gives OKC a 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Minnesota.
Before tip-off on Thursday, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy in front of a roaring home crowd. He then poured in 38 points—matching his career playoff high—along with eight assists and three steals. It marked his fifth consecutive playoff game scoring 30 or more points.
“It felt really good,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting on the moment. “My emotions were so high I was kind of tired out there early. I was a little too hyped up. But I’m glad we got the win—now I can really enjoy the moment.”
Rather than forcing his offense early, the 26-year-old star leaned on his teammates to ease into the game. “I thought about coming out aggressive, but I decided to let the game come to me. Play off my teammates. That’s when we’re at our best.”
That team-first mindset paid off. Jalen Williams turned in a standout performance with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while rookie big man Chet Holmgren added 22 points and four boards in what was one of his most complete games of the postseason.
The game remained close through the first half, but as in Game 1, the Thunder exploded in the third quarter—this time with a decisive 14-2 run that stretched the lead and ultimately put the contest out of reach. Oklahoma City would go up by as many as 24 points before the Timberwolves clawed back to within 10 in the fourth. Still, the Thunder never truly lost control.
Anthony Edwards responded to a quiet Game 1 with a strong showing, scoring 32 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker—cousin to Gilgeous-Alexander—chipped in 17 off the bench. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome OKC’s depth and momentum.
One major letdown for Minnesota was Julius Randle, who had been earning praise for his playoff performances but struggled mightily on Thursday, finishing with just six points on 2-of-11 shooting.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch acknowledged his team’s second-quarter lapse. “We didn’t close the half well, and that really put us on the edge heading into the third. Turnovers hurt us, and we missed too many chances at the rim.”
Still, Finch remained confident heading into Game 3. “Every minute is a chance to adjust and improve. We’ve been great at home, and we’ll be ready to fight. We’ll look at the film, regroup, and come out strong.”
Game 3 is set for Saturday in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves boast a 4-1 postseason home record and have won nine of their last ten at Target Center.
