The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder “have much more work to do” after reaching their first NBA Finals since 2012 with a win towards the Minnesota Timberwolves, says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The NBA’s Most Invaluable Participant (MVP) scored 34 factors, seven rebounds and eight assists within the 124-94 victory because the Thunder gained the best-of-seven Western Convention finals collection 4-1.
The Thunder stay on the right track for a primary NBA title, having been crushed by the Miami Warmth in 2012.
“It is a step in the precise path however we’ve much more work to do to get to our final aim, so let’s buckle up and prepare,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander.
“That is all that I am targeted on. This is not the tip of our highway.”
The Thunder will host recreation one of many Finals subsequent Thursday, once they face the winners of the Japanese Convention finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks for the NBA title. Indiana lead the collection 3-1 with recreation 5 on Thursday.
Gilgeous-Alexander joins Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the one gamers prior to now 20 years to succeed in the Finals in the identical yr as profitable the MVP.
The 26-year-old Canadian, additionally named Western Convention MVP on Wednesday, is on the right track to turn into the primary scoring champion since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win an NBA title in the identical season.
Chet Holmgren added 22 factors whereas Jalen Williams additionally scored 19 for the Thunder, who’re the youngest group within the NBA Finals because the Portland Path Blazers in 1977, with a median age of 25.6 years.
Gilgeous-Alexander added: “These guys actually make me really feel like I am a child taking part in AAU basketball, like I am 15 years outdated once more.
“It is simply enjoyable. That is what makes us actually good. We now have a lot enjoyable being on the market collectively.”
In the meantime, the Timberwolves noticed their season finish within the convention finals for the second yr working, having misplaced to the Dallas Mavericks final yr.
“They dominated the sport from the tip,” stated Anthony Edwards, who scored 19 factors for the Timberwolves, who have been led by Julius Randle with 24 factors.
“I tip my hat to these guys. They got here prepared.”
