The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to bounce back on Sunday night at home in Game 2 of the NBA Finals after they blew a lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1 to the Indiana Pacers.
Of course, the Thunder led the entirety of Game 1 until Tyrese Haliburton knocked down the game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining to give the Pacers the victory and a 1-0 series lead.
This was an uncharacteristic loss by the Thunder and they now enter Game 2 needing a victory to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole before the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While Oklahoma City lost Game 1, their star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put together another incredible performance and they will need the same out of him in Game 2.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Jalen Williams made a key comparison between Shai and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as he believes there are similarities between the two players.
“There are a lot of similarities there,” Williams said about Shai and Bryant’s style of play. “If you are really paying attention to basketball & watch the way he plays... He can pick certain aspects of his game... (And) add his own touch to it.”
This is a major compliment by Williams and he also makes a great point as Shai does share similar abilities on the court as Bryant did.
Shai is an elite scorer, especially in the mid-range game, and he has some Mamba-like style to his game, especially as a leader and his winner’s mindset.
Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a free throw during the game against the Grizzlies in 2013.
Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a free throw during the game against the Grizzlies in 2013.
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, Shai mentioned on Saturday that Bryant is his favorite NBA player of all time and that he also studied the Lakers legend’s game, which has been shown this season as he was named regular season and Western Conference Finals MVP.
Shai also has the winning mindset that Bryant had during his playing career and now the star point guard will try to lead the Thunder to a championship this season as they try to even the series in Game 2.