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'I have to be better,' SGA says of MVP night letdo...
Key takeaways
- The San Antonio Spurs' smothering defense had a lot to do with Gilgeous-Alexander's struggles during the defending champion Thunder's 122-115 double-overtime loss in Monday's epic Game 1.
- The Spurs threw a steady diet of double-teams at Gilgeous-Alexander.
- Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points and 12 assists in 51 minutes, but he shot only 7 of 23 from the floor and committed four turnovers, falling far short of his efficient norms.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
OKLAHOMA CITY -- After being presented his second straight NBA MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony on the Paycom Center floor, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't perform up to that lofty standard in a thrilling Western Conference finals opener.
The San Antonio Spurs' smothering defense had a lot to do with Gilgeous-Alexander's struggles during the defending champion Thunder's 122-115 double-overtime loss in Monday's epic Game 1.
The Spurs threw a steady diet of double-teams at Gilgeous-Alexander. Victor Wembanyama, the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, sagged off spot-up shooters to patrol the paint and protect the rim.
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