OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Following his recent selection, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 38 points.
the NBA’s MVP
, and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves once more, securing a 118-103 victory on Thursday night to claim a 2-0 advantage in the Western Conference finals.
Hamilton’s Gilgeous-Alexander converted 12 out of 21 field goals and 13 out of 15 free throws after
receiving his MVP trophy
From Commissioner Adam Silver prior to the game. He also contributed eight assists and three steals.
Jalen Williams contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren scored an additional 22 points for the Thunder.
Lu Dort from Oklahoma City, who hails from Montreal, was awarded first-team All-Defensive honors, while Williams received second-team All-Defensive recognition earlier in the day. Together, they played key roles in anchoring a defense that limited Minnesota to just 41.4% shooting.
Anthony Edwards tallied 32 points despite needing 26 attempts to do so. Jaden McDaniels contributed with 22 points, andNickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 17 for the Timberwolves.
Game 3 takes place on Saturday in Minneapolis.
Gilgeous-Alexander nailed a three-point shot with 16 seconds left in the first half, followed by sinking two free throws just 3 seconds before halftime to aid Oklahoma City in securing a 58-50 advantage. He accumulated 19 points in the opening period.
During the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander penetrated into the key and released an unpredictable shot that somehow found its way through the hoop even though he was being fouled by his cousin, Alexander-Walker. After converting the subsequent free throw, Gilgeous-Alexander extended the Thunder’s advantage to 73-64.
A lob from Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a two-handed dunk during a fast break gave Oklahoma City an 82-65 lead late in the third quarter. The Thunder maintained a strong grip with a 93-71 edge heading into the final period.
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AP NBA:
https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Cliff Brunt, The Canadian Press
