Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admits shutting up one Thunder star for constant distraction in Game 2
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to quiet Jared McCain during a tense Game 2 moment, but the Oklahoma City Thunder still got exactly what they needed. The Thunder were under pressure after losing the Western Conference Finals opener to the San Antonio Spurs in double overtime. Game 2 demanded cleaner execution, steadier possessions, and fewer distractions, which made Gilgeous-Alexander’s exchange with McCain a funny but revealing detail from the night.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tells Jared McCain to quiet down as Oklahoma City Thunder reset Game 2 NBA on NBC shared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation after Jared McCain yelled at him during a shooting moment in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 2 win. Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Jared [McCain] was yelling at me while I was shooting and I was just like, ‘Bro, I’m shooting. Like, don’t distract me.
’ So, yeah, that’s all. ” The line sounded blunt, but it fit the moment. Gilgeous-Alexander was trying to stay locked in while Oklahoma City worked to even the series against a Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama.
The Thunder won 122-113, tying the Western Conference Finals at 1-1. Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 30 points, while Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench. McCain also had a real role in the win, scoring 12 points as part of a Thunder bench that outscored San Antonio’s reserves 57-25.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turns Jared McCain distraction into Oklahoma City Thunder shooter lesson Gilgeous-Alexander later made it clear the exchange was not a serious issue, just a moment where McCain’s energy arrived before the shot was finished. He added, “I was just telling Jared to calm down, but that’s what great shooters do when they’re open. ” That answer gave the moment a better frame.