Sha Gilgeous-Alexander let OKC Thunder teammates shine, then he closed out Lakers
After contributing in ways outside of scoring throughout the series, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in OKC's closeout win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
LOS ANGELES — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't just hit the hardwood floor inside Crypto. com Arena. He went sliding across it after sinking an and-one jumper over Marcus Smart , who'd been defending the reigning MVP so tightly all series that he didn't even give him space to land.
And yet he didn't stay down for the count. Gilgeous-Alexander quickly sat up straight like The Undertaker. A supernatural superstar with an undying determination to deliver for his team, no matter how much the Lakers tried to contain him.
A composed competitor who showed what he can do, all while not showing emotion. The OKC Thunder completed its second-round sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 115-110 road win Monday night. And after scoring fewer than 25 points in three straight games for the first time since 2024 , Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 35 points on 11-for-22 shooting from the field to go along with eight assists.
"I've noticed throughout my career, through personal experiences, that emotions only get in the way of critical and smart thinking," Gilgeous-Alexander said of his composure. "Especially in those moments, when I want to get the job done the most, I try to put my emotions aside and stay locked in on what's present and what matters most. " More: Who will OKC Thunder play next in NBA Playoffs?
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