{"id":47310,"date":"2025-05-21T10:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/47310\/"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:26:10","slug":"ding-ding-shai-gilgeous-alexander-takes-round-1-in-battle-of-nbas-west-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/47310\/","title":{"rendered":"Ding! Ding! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes Round 1 in battle of NBA’s West stars"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first four shot attempts<\/a> against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s the NBA<\/a> Western Conference finals<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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 <\/a> in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.<\/p>\n

MORE: Anthony Edwards hurts ankle in Game 1, finishes with 18 points<\/a><\/p>\n

ANALYSIS: Timberwolves’ failure to launch in paint, score from bench spells doom<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s got a great emotional temperament,\u201d Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. \u201cI’ve always marveled at that about him. \u2026 he just keeps himself in it. He doesn’t get emotional. He just plays the next play.<\/p>\n

“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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s claim that his leader and star was in attack mode.<\/p>\n

It was his eighth 30-point game of the playoffs, and his fourth consecutive playoff game with at least 30 points.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, (my shot) wasn’t falling like it usually does and I would like it to,\u201d Gilgeous-Alexander said. \u201cIt’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).\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fight for a rebound in the first quarter during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.<\/p>\n

In a battle of stars, the Thunder won Round 1. Minnesota\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Of course the game is more than two players. Oklahoma City\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

But you need stars \u2013 a team\u2019s best player \u2013 to help you win games, especially in May.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s a great player that just stays present,\u201d Daigneault said. \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt<\/a><\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stays present to overcome past shooting woes<\/a><\/p>\n