OKC Thunder’s resilience shines through vs Timberwolves, 3 Takeaways

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is clutch

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a bona fide superstar. He is at least a top-three MVP candidate, a surefire All-Star, and perhaps the clutchest player in the league.

Gilgeous-Alexander poured 14 of his total 33 points in the fourth quarter to put the Thunder on his back en route to the impressive win against the number-one seed Minnesota. 

Gilgeous-Alexander shot four-for-six in the final quarter through a combination of paint baskets and a lethal step-back three that gave the Thunder the lead for good. 

The Thunder knew if they ever had the chance to win the game, it had to come down to the hands of Gilgeous-Alexander. And he delivered, doing it on both ends of the floor. 

He made sure he was not a liability on defense. He was active in the passing lanes, finishing with two steals and a team-high four deflections. 

Gilgeous-Alexander capitalized at every shot he got as the Wolves’ defense kept him in check for most of the matchup, He made 12 out of his 13 free throw attempts, making up for his 10-for-22 shooting in the game. 

The defense simply had no answer for Gilgeous-Alexander in the clutch.

At this point, no one is surprised by Gilgeous-Alexander’s performances. We have grown accustomed to his brilliance. Perhaps the best way to appreciate him is to marvel at his greatness.