Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been labeled a “free-throw merchant” and a “foul artist,” amongst different issues, however one of the simplest ways to explain the Thunder star is by three easy letters: MVP.
The Timberwolves threw every thing however the kitchen sink at SGA — blitzes, traps, box-and-ones — however could not cease him from dominating Monday’s Game 4. The spectacular side was that he did not drive something. After being held to just 14 points in Recreation 3, he made a concerted effort to be affected person, on the lookout for teammates out of double groups and giving up the ball early to keep away from being hounded in crowds. However each time Minnesota’s protection let him off the hook, albeit briefly, SGA received to his desired midrange spots and made them pay.
SGA’s calming presence helped Thunder fend off a number of Timberwolves runs in hostile territory. He completed only one rebound shy of a 40-point triple-double, putting his workforce getting ready to the NBA Finals. The Toronto native’s playoff career-high scoring night time allowed him to affix an unique membership occupied solely by Bulls nice Michael Jordan.
