LAS VEGAS -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his extraordinary talent on Saturday night, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive 111-96 victory over the Houston Rockets, which secured their spot in the NBA Cup finals. With 32 points to his name, Gilgeous-Alexander propelled the Thunder to their five-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
The Thunder’s semifinal matchup against the Rockets was brutal, with both teams' defenses earning them spots among the top three defenses of the league. Despite the slow start, where the Thunder trailed 42-41 at halftime, the team's spirit surged after halftime, scoring 70 points to overpower the Rockets.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 20 of his points during the second half, initially had a rough outing, missing eight of his first nine shots. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, who recorded a career-high 21 points, remarked, “We all knew it’s Shai. He’s going to get it back on point. He did it in the second half.” His confidence-building surge came at the right moment, invigorated by teammates like Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points, and guard Luguentz Dort, who added 19 points and nine rebounds.
Thrusting forward after their halftime adjustment, the Thunder found their offense rhythm. The turning point of the game came when Dort's defensive play energized the team. “The energy was kind of down... but [that play] kind of did something for us,” he said about his key steal and fast-break assist.
On the opposing side, the Rockets saw Amen Thompson leading their charge with 19 points, supported by Alperen Sengun's 13 points and 11 rebounds. Despite committing 16 turnovers and shooting just 36.5% from the field, the Rockets had six players scoring in double figures. Their star player, Fred VanVleet, struggled significantly, making only 3 of his 15 shots, drawing frustration from his coach. “Sometimes, it just came down to making shots,” coach Ime Udoka commented, referencing the pressing issues the Rockets faced.
With the win, the Thunder are not just advancing; it’s also about the anticipation building around their upcoming title clash against the Bucks, who secured their finals spot with a 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout performance came at the perfect juncture, marking the Thunder’s resolute determination to claim the tournament title.
Current competition rewards are significant, with the NBA Cup champions set to receive $514,971 per player, and the runner-up $205,988 each. For many players, it's not just about the financial gains, as Bucks coach Doc Rivers humorously stated, “It’s funny — a lot of people say it’s the money and it’s not. It’s the competition.”
The intensity from the players indicates the championship isn't merely another game; it’s about individual and team pride. Gilgeous-Alexander’s resilience serves as the perfect example, as he looks to lead his team through the final stretch on Tuesday.
The Thunder’s approach shows how collective effort and strong individual contributions can set the stage for substantial achievements. The road leading to the finals highlights their strategy, where players like Hartenstein and Dort have assumed roles pivotal to the team's advancement.
The NBA Cup finals promise not only to showcase high-level basketball but also to dictate the momentum leading forward as both the Thunder and Bucks eye the rest of the season. The Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off securing their finals berth, are also eyeing this championship series as they integrate their roster dynamics this season.
Oklahoma City will need to leverage all they have learned throughout this tournament as they step against formidable opponents. With such electrifying moments from Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates, the anticipation for the championship clash has undoubtedly reached fever pitch.
The NBA Cup finals are set to be held for the ages as the Thunder embarks on challenging their defenses against the Bucks, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge as the undoubted leader of the Thunder. This is more than just another game; it’s about cementing their legacy within the NBA's competitive hierarchy.
Fans are guaranteed to witness thrilling performances as each player strives for excellence on the biggest stage, embodying the essence of competition at every possession. All eyes will be turned when Oklahoma City faces the Milwaukee Bucks, with the championship title hanging on the balance.
