Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been labeled a “free-throw service provider” and a “foul artist,” amongst different issues, however one of the best ways to explain the Thunder star is by three easy letters: MVP.
The Timberwolves threw all the things however the kitchen sink at SGA — blitzes, traps, box-and-ones — however could not cease him from dominating Monday’s Sport 4. The spectacular side was that he did not power something. After being held to simply 14 factors in Sport 3, he made a concerted effort to be affected person, searching for teammates out of double groups and giving up the ball early to keep away from being hounded in crowds. However at any time when Minnesota’s protection let him off the hook, albeit briefly, SGA acquired to his desired midrange spots and made them pay.
SGA’s calming presence helped Thunder fend off a number of Timberwolves runs in hostile territory. He completed only one rebound shy of a 40-point triple-double, inserting his group on the point of the NBA Finals. The Toronto native’s playoff career-high scoring night time allowed him to hitch an unique membership occupied solely by Bulls nice Michael Jordan.
