Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praises Thunder's Resilience In Playoff Series

Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed satisfaction with his team's resilience as they tied the playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter, embarking on an 11-0 run to secure a 92-87 victory. "We fought," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN. "We stayed the course ... and then we closed the game."

The Thunder's comeback was impressive, especially after their recent overtime loss. "Every time you take punches and you get back up, you get stronger," Gilgeous-Alexander shared with Yahoo Sports. He acknowledged the mixed feelings from previous games, stating, "It always feels good to win. It sucks to lose." The team had just 36 hours to recover after the Nuggets' 113-104 win put them ahead in the series.

Thunder Level Playoff Series with Nuggets

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to recover from a subpar performance in their last defeat. "I always marvel at his ability to get himself back to zero," Daigneault said. He highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander's calm demeanor and humility, noting that he doesn't blame others or show frustration when things don't go well.

The Thunder utilized five bench players for a total of 56 minutes, contributing significantly with 36 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists. Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace each scored 11 points, while Alex Caruso added 10. Coach Daigneault emphasized the importance of using their depth due to the quick game turnaround.

Nuggets interim coach David Adelman acknowledged that Oklahoma City's bench played a crucial role in their victory. "I really thought the difference in the game was their bench kind of lit a fuse for them," he remarked. Despite both teams struggling with three-point shooting, he noted how impactful those contributions were.

Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to remain composed under pressure is seen as a key asset by his coach. "He's just so level that he gets himself right back into play," Daigneault stated. This quality makes him reliable even after setbacks.

The Thunder's strategic use of their roster depth proved vital in this match-up against Denver. Their bench players' performance was pivotal in turning the tide of the game and leveling the series once more.