That moment isn’t ideal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
These mark his first NBA Finals. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget. The Oklahoma City Thunder star, also the NBA MVP, scored a remarkable total of 72 points in his first two games of the championship series, achieving a debut final performance unlike anyone in league history.
This sets a new record, surpassing the previous high of 71 points by Allen Iverson during his first two final games in 2001.
“I am who I am,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “I don’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel or approach the game in an unfamiliar way. I just aim to attack the game correctly, and I believe I’ve done a solid job thus far.”
His next offensive opportunity won’t come until Wednesday night, when the Thunder face off against the Indiana Pacers, with the series currently tied as they head to Indianapolis for Game 3.
He registered 38 points in a Game 1 loss to the Pacers and followed up with 34 points in a Game 2 victory on Sunday. Gilgeous-Alexander has accumulated more points in the first two games than either of the other players in the series (specifically, Thunder players, not just the two opponents).
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault isn’t taking the MVP’s greatness for granted; it’s become something he anticipates.
“At this point, it doesn’t come as a surprise,” Daigneault noted. “He takes every opportunity he gets, improves his game, and maintains his presence. I thought his performance in Game 2 was executed with a great rhythm, and everyone performed better as well.”
He achieved eight assists in Game 2, becoming the 17th player in NBA history to record both a high scoring output and numerous assists in the Finals—a feat that has only occurred 34 times in the history of the championship.
However, it wasn’t just any assists. They were crucial. Out of the eight assists Gilgeous-Alexander recorded on Sunday, six led to three-pointers, contributing 22 points to the scoreboard.
“He’s an MVP for a reason,” remarked Miles Turner of the Pacers. “He’s going to put up points, and we recognize that. Now, it’s about finding ways to limit his scoring and that of the role players.”
Only seven players in Finals history—Jerry West (1969), LeBron James (83 in 2015, 80 in 2018), Shaquille O’Neal (83 in 2000, 76 in 2002, 80 in 1969), and Michael Jordan (78 in 1992)—have scored more than 72 points in the first two games of the championship series.
“Shai, you could score 34 points before you board the plane for the next game,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “The guy can score. We need to find a way to make it as challenging as possible for him.”
In Game 1, the Pacers managed to contain the supporting cast around Gilgeous-Alexander. In Game 2, they were not as successful. While it may not be as straightforward to say that this was the reason why the Thunder lost Game 1 and won Game 2, it certainly played a role in the outcome.
Perhaps it’s simply that an MVP is playing like an MVP. He also clinched the scoring title, leading the playoffs in total points, alongside becoming the 12th player in league history to surpass the 3,000-point mark during the season (including both regular and postseason) while securing his first Finals appearance.
“I’d definitely trade points for wins,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented. “But this is our reality. We can’t dwell in the past; we must focus on making the future brighter. That’s where my focus lies.”
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Source: apnews.com