OKC Thunder Must Elevate Play After Series-Tying Win, Says SGA

The Oklahoma City Thunder respond in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 at Paycom Center to tie the series 1-1. NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 points with nine assists and four rebounds, yet still calls for more improvement.

San Antonio remain dangerous opponents after Victor Wembanyama’s display in Game 1, when the Spurs won 122-115. The San Antonio talisman produced 41 points in that opener, leaving the reigning NBA champions trailing in the series before Oklahoma City’s answer on Wednesday.

Gilgeous-Alexander adjusts well in the second game after a quieter start to the series. The guard manages 24 points on 7-of-23 shooting in Monday’s loss, but improves to 12-of-24 from the field in Game 2. The Thunder attack looks sharper as the group reads the Spurs’ aggressive defence.

I guess we just got a little bit more comfortable with that type of defense, Gilgeous-Alexander said. Obviously it's very unique and different from literally every other defense in the league, so it takes some games. We're still going to have to keep getting better throughout this series if we want a chance to win.

The Spurs’ organisation without the ball still impresses Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander praises San Antonio, stating: "They're a good team, a good defensive teamreally good. They check all the boxes. We're going to have to communicate better. Tonight wasn't good enough to win the series, and we know that."

The contest now moves to Texas, where Games 3 and 4 take place in San Antonio on Friday and Sunday. The best-of-seven series then heads back to Oklahoma City next Tuesday, with the Thunder seeking further growth against the Spurs’ tough defence and Wembanyama’s influence.