Oklahoma City’s star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said on Thursday that there’s no time to feel tired now, especially with the Thunder trailing 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
“You just have to push through it,” said the NBA Most Valuable Player, speaking after the Pacers made a strong comeback in the fourth quarter to win Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and take the series lead.
“There are only up to four games left in the season. This is what we’ve been working for all year and all summer. So, in my view, you just need to fight through it, focus, and try to win,” he added.
He had scored a total of 72 points in the first two games of the series, including 34 points in Oklahoma City’s Game 2 victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended Wednesday’s game with 24 points, but only scored three in the fourth quarter and had six turnovers — the most he’s ever made in a playoff game.
Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard, who has done a solid job guarding Shai, said, “We’re just trying to make it hard for him. The key is staying persistent. It’s a team effort. Everyone has to be focused and working together on defense to stop him.”
When asked if he was tired during the fourth quarter, where Indiana outscored Oklahoma City 32-18, Shai said he wasn’t sure.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “It was a physical game, but we’ve played tough games before. Sometimes I play well at the end, and sometimes I don’t.”
He added that he just tries to keep playing his own way.
“The way I play and think about the game comes naturally now. It’s just who I am. My leadership hasn’t changed — it’s been consistent all season and true to myself.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault showed full faith in Shai’s ability to bounce back.
“One of his biggest strengths is moving forward — to the next play, the next game, whatever comes next,” Daigneault said. “He’s the last person I’m worried about.”