The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a daunting 14-point deficit in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s MVP finalist, had other plans. His relentless determination and clutch play propelled the Thunder to a thrilling 100-96 victory, evening the series at 2-2.
NBA on TNT captured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s post-game interview with Jared Greenberg in a tweet, featuring the quote: “We’ve been in this situation a lot… We’ve been there before and we just knew what it took and we got it done tonight.” [NBA on TNT Tweet]
This statement underscores the importance of experience in high-pressure situations. The Thunder, despite their youth, have faced similar comebacks before, and this experience instilled confidence in their ability to overcome adversity.
"We've been in this situation a lot… We've been there before and we just knew what it took and we got it done tonight." 🗣️
SGA on OKC's huge comeback win with @JaredSGreenberg pic.twitter.com/qaC8Ukz493
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 14, 2024
Shai Gilgeous’s Heroics
From the opening tip, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a mission. He attacked the rim, hit tough jumpers, and orchestrated OKC’s offense. His 34 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks showcased his all-around brilliance. But it was his ice-cold free throws in the final seconds that sealed the win, leaving the Target Center crowd stunned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a true leader for the Thunder. Not only does he excel on the court with his scoring and playmaking abilities, but he also demonstrates a calmness and leadership that inspires his teammates. His post-game comments about the team’s experience highlight his understanding of the importance of mental toughness and a collective belief in their ability to win.
The Thunder found themselves trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half. However, they displayed remarkable resilience, chipping away at the deficit throughout the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the driving force behind the comeback, contributing a stat sheet-stuffing performance of 34 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Oklahoma City Thunder may be a young team, but they are quickly developing a winning mentality. Having faced close games and comebacks throughout the season, they’ve learned valuable lessons about composure and execution under pressure. These experiences serve as a foundation for future success and contribute to the team’s growing confidence.
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