DALLAS – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder, carried the weight of the season on his shoulders on Monday. Facing the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Thunder were trailing the series 2-1 and needed a win to stay competitive.
Pre-Game Pressure
Gilgeous-Alexander, 25, described this game as “probably the most meaningful game I’ve played in my career.” Despite the pressure, he remained calm and focused, especially when he re-entered the game with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter and the Thunder down by six points.
Game Strategy
Determined not to repeat his mistakes from Game 3, he kept reminding himself to “be aggressive, but be smart.” This strategy paid off as he found a balance between scoring and facilitating, contributing to 20 of the Thunder’s final 30 points in a thrilling 100-96 victory.
Statistical Domination
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with an impressive stat line: 34 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. His fourth-quarter performance was particularly notable as he scored 10 points and handed out 4 assists, demonstrating his ability to take over the game under pressure.
Key Moments
In the crucial final minutes, he scored on four consecutive possessions, including a remarkable baseline fadeaway shot that tied the game at 4:02. Despite facing a tough Dallas defense, he showcased his midrange proficiency, hitting 12 out of 16 shots from that area, a performance likened to LaMarcus Aldridge’s playoff exploits.
Team Effort and Trust
Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking was just as critical as his scoring. With four Mavericks defenders collapsing on him late in the game, he dished out key assists, including a pass to Chet Holmgren for a go-ahead three-pointer and another to Luguentz Dort, who despite struggling earlier, hit a crucial three to extend the lead.
Coach’s Praise
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision-making and trust in his teammates. He highlighted the importance of these assists, especially given the team’s poor three-point shooting earlier in the game.
Career Milestone
This game marked a significant moment in Gilgeous-Alexander’s career. Playing in his third postseason but the first as the face of the Thunder, he has been working towards these high-pressure situations. He emphasized the importance of balancing aggression with smart play and trusting teammates to win at a high level.
Mavericks’ Struggles
Meanwhile, Dallas stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving struggled. Doncic, dealing with a sprained knee and sore ankle, scored 18 points but had more turnovers (seven) than field goals (six), and missed a critical free throw with 10 seconds left. Irving was held to just nine points for the second time in the series. Their combined 27 points were significantly below their regular-season average.
Game Analysis
Despite leading by 14 points at one point, the Mavericks couldn’t sustain their advantage. They shot poorly from the free-throw line, making only 12 of 23 attempts compared to Oklahoma City’s 23 out of 24. This poor shooting was a critical factor in their loss.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied 2-2, both teams will need to adjust as they head into Game 5. The Thunder will look to build on this momentum, while the Mavericks must find a way to get their stars back on track and convert their free throws under pressure.