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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clear message after the Oklahoma City Thunder closed out a 131-122 win over the Phoenix Suns to complete a first-round sweep.
The Thunder guard explained the offensive flow behind another high-level performance, stating, “Yeah, we just played the right way. Nothing out of the usual. Guys were out there making aggressive plays and playing for each other.”
He added that structure remains the foundation of Oklahoma City’s identity. “We have a formula that we try to impose every night, and the more we do so, the better off we’ll be,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Phoenix’s competitiveness also drew respect from the MVP candidate. “First and foremost, there’s just the respect level. We know how good of a team they were and how capable they are as players,” he said. “They’re a dangerous team if you let them be.”
Gilgeous-Alexander pointed to execution rather than dominance as the key separator. “We just knew that going into the series. And then it goes back to what I said before.”
Late-game control continues to define his approach, especially in fourth quarters. “I try to make sure I’m getting the best shot possible for my team,” he said. “It’s always about getting the best shot every time down as the game’s going down.”
He also highlighted the Thunder’s offensive balance in a game where multiple players contributed. “Out there, all of us are just trying to find the best shot for the group every time down.”
Gilgeous-Alexander praised teammate Dillon Brooks for a strong series. “Hats off to him. It’s impressive to redefine yourself this late into a career,” he said. “The guy’s always in the gym and the work pays off.”
Looking ahead to the Western Conference semifinals, he kept the focus steady. “They each pose their challenges… To make it out of that series, you have to do a lot of things right.”
Oklahoma City’s ability to respond to Phoenix runs also stood out in his assessment. “Our coverages were pretty good on him… we did a good job of showing him a crowd, making everything tough on him,” he said about Devin Booker.
