Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced a challenging night in the Thunder’s 113-104 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. Despite being a candidate for the NBA MVP this season, Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with his shooting, finishing with only 18 points on a dismal 7-of-22 performance, including 1-of-8 in the crucial fourth quarter.
Acknowledging his shortcomings, Gilgeous-Alexander remarked, “In those moments when the game slows down, it usually comes down to your best players making shots and making plays. I didn’t do a good enough job of that tonight.” He pointed out that his shot selection could have improved and noted he should have relied more on teammate Jalen Williams, who scored a career-high 32 points.
Despite his personal challenges on the court, Gilgeous-Alexander remains positive about the series, which now sees the Nuggets leading 2-1. He emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “Nothing’s written. The series is not over, and we have a lot to be optimistic about.” His determination to bounce back showcases his leadership qualities, and he is ready to seize the opportunities presented in the upcoming games.
The Thunder will need to regroup and build on the lessons learned from this match as they prepare for the next confrontation. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to maintain a positive outlook amidst adversity may serve as an inspiration to his teammates as they strive to even the series.