Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder get past San Antonio Spurs, 122-113, level series, 1-1

THUNDER star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was blunt when breaking down his struggles in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

- 

“I have sucked when I get too long of a break,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I don’t think it’s anything other than that. I guess I gotta do a better job with my breaks.”

Two days later, the reigning two-time Most Valuable Player was much better in Game 2, scoring 30 points and helping lift the Thunder to a 122-113 home win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

The result evened the best-of-seven series at one victory apiece ahead of Game 3 on Friday at San Antonio.

After his team got off to a sluggish start in Game 1 on Monday before going on to lose in double overtime, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expected better in Game 2.

He certainly got it.

The Thunder never trailed after the first quarter, though the game wasn’t decided until the closing minutes.

Oklahoma City did it with more efficiency from Gilgeous-Alexander, a bounce-back performance from Chet Holmgren, more minutes from Isaiah Hartenstein, another strong defensive performance and despite losing Jalen Williams to yet another hamstring injury.

They also slowed Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.