After leading the Thunder to a 114–88 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened up about his quiet leadership style, saying he leads by example rather than words.
After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 114–88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke openly about his leadership style and mindset heading into the rest of the series.
Player of the Game
Jalen Williams
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Jalen Williams
Points
Accuracy
Rebounds
Assists
The Thunder star poured in 31 points, going just 10-of-27 from the field but making up for it with 11-of-14 shooting at the free-throw line.
While it wasn’t his most efficient scoring night, Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence was felt all over the floor, and his calm demeanor helped set the tone for the young Thunder squad.
“It’s true to my personality. I’m not always the loudest guy in the room or say too much, but my energy and effort, and what I put on the floor, speak louder than anything,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a post-game conference.
“That’s just how I not only go about the game, but also go about life. Actions always speak louder than words. To me, especially. That’s just how I go about it,” he added.
SGA acknowledged that he’ll need to make some adjustments going forward, but kept things a secret when asked what changes he has in mind.
“I’m gonna keep that a secret and not let the world know so [the Timberwolves] don’t see it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said during his walk-off interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. “But we know what we got to do.”
Game 2 between the Thunder and Timberwolves tips off Thursday in Oklahoma City, with OKC looking to protect home court and take a 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
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