Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives props to Thunder teammates after Game 1 win over Lakers

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the time to give his teammates their flowers for closing out a 108-90 win in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. While Gilgeous-Alexander will look to build off his performance in the series opener, he’s gave plenty of credit to his guys, including All-Star Chet Holmgren, who scored 20 of his 24 points in the first three quarters.

Gilgeous-Alexander also pointed to Jared McCain’s shooting off the bench, connecting on a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the 3-point arc en route to a dozen points in 15 minutes.

“He’s been great. When his number’s called, he’s been ready, feels like every time, which is really hard to do,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Coming into this a new situation is hard to do, especially with the outside distrations. He’s had two feet in the circle, we call it. He’s out there for a reason. He helps us win, and he’s helped us win multiple games, and big-time games this season, and he did so again tonight.”

Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t stop giving his Thunder teammates recognition there, pointing to All-Star Chet Holmgren’s Game 1 performance as a testament to the starting forward’s growth over the past year.

“Completely different player. Last year, he was coming off a big injury, obviously, so, his legs weren’t as underneath him. He just really used those experiences last postseason, and this summer to really get better,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He just looks super fresh out there. Everything looks strong. He’s getting to his spots. He’s rebounding, altering stuff at the rim; he’s exactly who we need him to be, and who we expect him to be.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says the impact we’re seeing from Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren is a testament to his hard work and dedication: “Everything looks strong. He’s getting to his spots.

Rebounding. He’s finishing plays, altering stuff at the rim — he’s exactly who we need… pic.twitter.com/MWGBxecD2z

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) May 6, 2026

Holmgren’s double-double (24 points, 12 rebounds) led the Thunder in Game 1. Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points, six assists, and seven turnovers against the Lakers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reveals what he needs to improve

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hopes will build off seven turnovers in Game 1. However, without starter Jalen Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander says Ajay Mitchell has stepped up in a big way for the Thunder.

“He’s as tough as they come. There’s no shaking Ajay. For him to be as reliable as he is, for our group, especially, a group that just won, it’s very impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s been a bit of a surprise. Obviously, we saw last year, he was a good player. But coming in and being this confident and this skilled, this early in his career, for us as a group, it’s just been big.

“Especially with Dub [Jalen Williams] being hurt all year, and him being the secondary handler has been big for us. It’s obviously has kept us afloat. He’s a very good basketball player. When you’re as tough as he is, you figure it out no matter the situation. I’d bet on Ajay to figure it out 10 out of 10 times.”

The Thunder will host the Lakers in Game 2 on Thursday.

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