Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reveals simple truth behind Thunder’s Lakers dominance

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the physicality in his second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. After the Thunder took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals, head coach Mark Daigneault had words for the officials, which he revealed during his press conference.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who kept his comments about the officials to himself, generally alluded to the root of the issue, as the league’s reigning MVP pointed out that the Thunder set the tone with the Lakers.

“The way basketball works, usually the more physical team, the team that imposes their will more, just wins. And that’s probably why we won tonight, and why we won the last game. We did a good job, especially in the second half.”

SGA addressing the physicality throughout the Thunder’s second-round series against the Lakers: “The way basketball works, usually the more physical tram, the team that imposes their will more, just wins.

And that’s probably why we won tonight, and why we won the last game” pic.twitter.com/qeaxLqGYmt

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) May 8, 2026

In a game where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned his fourth personal foul in the third quarter, including a flagrant-1, he returned to close out the Lakers in the final frame for the Thunder. He finished with 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Chet Holmgren added 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.

Mark Daigneault shuts down officiating talk after Game 2 win

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault shut down officiating questions during his postgame media availability, but did express his discontent with Game 2’s referees in an 18-point win against the Lakers.

“My interactions with the officials is between me and them. I had plenty to say to them, but I’m gonna keep it there,” Daigneault said. “And I thought our team did a really good job staying present and just focusing on the next controllable. We just played it possession by possession.”

The Lakers will host the Thunder for Game 3 on Saturday.

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