Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent an honest statement for the critics of the OKC Thunder’s physicality after the team dispatched the LA Lakers in Game 2, 125-107, on Thursday night.
In his post-game press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander affirmed that the team that is more physical and imposes themselves to their opponents usually wins games, especially in the NBA playoffs.
“The way basketball works, usually the more physical team and the team that imposes their will more just wins,” he said. “That’s probably why we win tonight, probably why we won the last game. We did a good job, especially in the second half.”
“We played our style of basketball, playing physical, pressuring them, and making them uncomfortable,” he added.
— SGA on being the more physical team against the Lakers.
This came after constant complaints about the officiating from the Lakers side during and after Game 2. The team even huddled up with NBA referees to voice out their frustrations about the game’s officiating after the final buzzer.
In Game 2, the Lakers were called with more fouls than the Thunder, 26-21. The Thunder also got more free throws with 26, five more than the Lakers’ 21.
The Thunder has been known since last year for their defensive intensity, often resulting in harsh physicality that draws the ire of opposing squads. In the Western Conference semifinals, Austin Reaves, who had 31 points and shot the most free throws in the game with 10, and head coach JJ Redick spoke about the Thunder’s physicality after the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander was not particularly spectacular in Game 2. He barely played in the third quarter after picking up his fourth personal foul shortly after halftime. The Thunder then outscored the Lakers 36-22 in the third period to take control and never look back.
Nevertheless, the Thunder remained undefeated in this year’s playoffs with six straight wins, including a sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the first round and a 2-0 start against the Lakers.
JJ Redick Says Thunder Have Players That Foul Every Possession
GettyLakers’ JJ Redick sounds off on the Thunder.
JJ Redick was fuming after the Lakers’ Game 2 loss, expressing to the media his thoughts about the Thunder’s physicality and how he felt about their defenders.
“I sarcastically said the other day they were the most disruptive team without fouling,” Redick said. “I mean, they have a few guys that foul on every possession, and all the good defenses do.”
“There was a stretch where four straight possessions, our guys got absolutely clobbered trying to make an entry pass to Jaxson, and Jaylin Williams is grabbing his jersey with both arms.”
Redick then name-dropped SGA, pointing out that he had been benefitting from touch fouls throughout the series.
“You know, SGA gets like a, I don’t even know, a touch foul, I guess, on the drive,” Redick said.
OKC’s physicality certainly disrupted the Lakers’ offensive executions, causing 21 turnovers, seven more than the Thunder committed.
Lakers Look To Steal One in Los Angeles
GettyLakers look to finally solve the OKC puzzle in Game 3.
It was a frustrating first two games for the Lakers, but they have a chance to finally secure one game in the series as they head to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
If they beat the Thunder, they would be the first team to do so in the playoffs, and will tally their first win against OKC since last season.
Game 3 will be on Saturday, May 9.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fires Back At Lakers’ Criticisms After Game 2