Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘lessons from the game’ take after Thunder Game 4 loss to Spurs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to course-correct their mistakes in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs when the series shifts to the Paycom Center on Tuesday. Gilgeous-Alexander addressed what the Thunder need to take from the loss.

With the chance to grab a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed what the Thunder need to focus on heading into Game 5.

“Whether you win or lose, you want to learn the lessons from the game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And when you lose, the lessons are a little bit louder, and that’s just how we view it. You want to learn through the wins, but sometimes you lose, and you got to get better. In a series, that’s what it’s about: getting better and being better when you’re down in a series, and when you start the series, and giving yourself a chance. That’s what we focus on.”

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting, and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. He also added seven assists, and two blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Isaiah Joe’s 11 points led the Thunder bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Spurs’ approach in Game 4

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the Spurs’ aggressive approach to Game 4 during his postgame media availability. After the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander pointed to how the Spurs set the tone.

“They just did a good job of being the aggressors,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They were in us forcing turnovers, being physical, and I don’t think we applied the pressure back. They’re playing fast, getting easy buckets, and once they get their defense set, I don’t care who you play, it’s always harder to play against a set defense. It’s a snowball effect. But it always starts with the aggression that you play with. They brought it on a way higher level than we did.”

While reflecting on the Thunder’s championship experience, Gilgeous-Alexander added how the defending champions have to tackle the challenge of beating the Spurs twice in three times.

“Every series is different,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “But we have to continue to get better and be relentless in that pursuit. That’s what it’s about. That’s what we’ve done in the past and it’s worked for us, and we’d be silly not to do the same.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder will host the Spurs in Game 5 on Tuesday.

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