The Hamilton-raised Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 area targets and 13 of 15 free throws after receiving his MVP trophy from commissioner Adam Silver earlier than the sport.
“I really feel like all my feelings have been so excessive, however I used to be a bit bit drained on the market, particularly in the beginning,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “I used to be a bit too juiced up. Particular second. I’m completely happy we received so I can actually benefit from the final couple days and soak it up. That actually helps.”
Jalen Williams had 26 factors and 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 factors for the Thunder.
Oklahoma Metropolis’s Lu Dort, a Montreal native was named first-team all defence and Williams was named second-team all-defense earlier within the day. They helped anchor a unit that held Minnesota to 41.4% taking pictures.
“If you win video games, you do it collectively and you’ve got enjoyable on the market, all the things else — all the person stuff you need — it comes with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned.
Anthony Edwards scored 32 factors however it took him 26 photographs to get them. Jaden McDaniels scored 22 factors and Toronto’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 17 for the Timberwolves.
Recreation 3 is Saturday in Minneapolis.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit a three-pointer with 16 seconds left within the first half, then made a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining to assist Oklahoma Metropolis take a 58-50 lead. He scored 19 factors earlier than the break.
“We didn’t shut the half very nicely,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch mentioned. “I assumed if we shut the half higher then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge within the third.”
Within the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the paint and threw up a wild shot that went in as he was fouled by his cousin, Alexander-Walker. Gilgeous-Alexander made the free throw to offer the Thunder a 73-64 lead.
A lob by Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a two-handed jam on a quick break put Oklahoma Metropolis up 82-65 late within the third quarter. The Thunder took a 93-71 benefit into the fourth.
Minnesota closed to inside 10 within the last interval, however Oklahoma Metropolis stored the Timberwolves at bay late. Now, Minnesota will get to go dwelling, the place it’s 4-1 within the playoffs.
Finch remained optimistic.
“Each minute in a collection is an opportunity to search out one thing,” he mentioned. “So we’re going to return dwelling. It is a good staff at dwelling. So we’re going to go dwelling and struggle for Recreation 3. Heads up, have a look at the tape and prepare for Recreation 3.”
