MVP Magic: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Thunder to Game 2 Victory Over Timberwolves

Just one day after being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed exactly why he earned the honor, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Before tip-off, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy in front of a roaring OKC crowd. By the end of the night, he had tied his playoff career high with 38 points, along with eight assists and three steals. It marked his fifth consecutive playoff game with at least 30 points.

“It felt really good,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “My emotions were high, I was a little too juiced up at the start. But this was a special moment.”

Team Effort Fuels Thunder’s Surge

While SGA stole the spotlight, it was a full-team effort that put the Thunder up 2-0 in the series. Rising star Jalen Williams contributed a stellar 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, continuing his postseason breakout. Rookie center Chet Holmgren also made a major impact, scoring 22 points and grabbing four boards.

The game remained tight through the first half, but just like in Game 1, OKC erupted in the third quarter. A crucial 14-2 run broke the game open and gave the Thunder a lead that swelled to 24 points. Although Minnesota clawed back to within 10 in the fourth, the Thunder never let them get closer.

T-Wolves Show Fight, But Fall Short Again

Anthony Edwards responded to his own call for more aggressiveness after Game 1, doubling his shot attempts and finishing with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker—SGA’s cousin—chipped in 17 off the bench.

But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s momentum. Julius Randle had his first off night of the postseason, managing just six points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch pointed to a poor close to the first half as a turning point.

“If we close the half better, we don’t put ourselves on such a razor’s edge in the third,” Finch said. “Missed shots and turnovers gave them the runway they needed.”

Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Minnesota

The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday. The Timberwolves have lost just once at home in their last 10 games and hold a 4-1 home record in this postseason.

“We’re going to fight for Game 3,” said Finch. “Heads up, look at the tape, and get ready.”

With the Thunder firing on all cylinders and Gilgeous-Alexander playing the best basketball of his life, the pressure is on Minnesota to respond.