Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Speaks Out Following NBA Finals Game 1 Collapse

Newsweek

14 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Oklahoma City Thunder never expected to lose Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The team only trailed for 0.3 seconds of the entire game, but those were the only seconds that actually mattered.
More NBA news: Shaquille O'Neal Shares Harsh Criticism for Thunder After NBA Finals Loss
Despite holding multiple double-digit leads throughout the contest, the Thunder found a way to lose. Oklahoma City didn't look like its regular self, at least on the offensive end of the floor.
The Thunder allowed the Pacers to hang around throughout, and it always felt as if Indiana could make a run. The Pacers did, in fact, battle back as the game went on, shocking the entire basketball world.
Game 1 was capped off with another game-winning shot from star guard Tyrese Haliburton. However, the loss didn't seem to rattle the Thunder too much.
Oklahoma City star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke out about the game after the fact. Gilgeous-Alexander seemed disappointed but not worried about the outcome.
"The series isn't first to one, it's first to four," Gilgeous-Alexander said after dropping a game-high 38 points. "We have four more games to get, they have three. That's just where we are."
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2025...
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. More
Photo byThe biggest issue for the Thunder in this game was the points off turnovers. Despite having a +18 margin in the turnover department, the Thunder didn't make the Pacers pay for it on the offensive end of the floor.
Oklahoma City has normally been dominant in making teams regret turning the ball over, but the Thunder seemed off against Indiana. Credit goes to the Pacers for their defensive effort in limiting the offensive flow of the Thunder.
The Thunder was a +18 in turnover margin but only a +7 in points off turnovers. And a -1 in point differential after outplaying the Pacers for 47 minutes and change.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also spoke on the game after it ended.
"The playoffs take you to the limit," Daigneault said. They put your back against the wall, in games, in series. If you make it this far, you have to endure to do that. It gives you rich experiences that you can draw on."
Oklahoma City will host Game 2 as they try to tie the series up. But the Thunder do need to be careful going up against this Indiana team.
Entering the series, virtually everyone picked the Thunder to easily win, but Indiana has continued to silence the doubters. The Pacers have the "team of destiny" feeling to them, and will look to take a 2-0 series lead on the Thunder.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ET.
More NBA news:
Jon Gruden Makes Shocking Pick in Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals
Clippers Seen as Sleeper Team to Land Former NBA MVP: Report
For more on Pacers, Thunder, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.