At this point, Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders scoring feels inevitable.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals was just the latest example He controlled the tempo, picked his spots, and delivered yet another signature performance.
You can mark down 34 points before they even get on the plane, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame, clearly in awe after SGA dropped another signature game in OKCs 123-107 win that leveled the series.
This time, Shai wasnt just a scorer, he was the conductor.
He picked apart Indiana with 34 points on an efficient 11-21 from the field and added eight assists.
Im being myself, Gilgeous-Alexander said. I dont think I tried to reinvent the wheel Just try to attack the game the right way. I think Ive done a pretty good job of that so far.
His 72 combined points over his first two Finals games just passed Allen Iverson (71) for the most ever to open an NBA Finals career. Thats not just elite company, thats history.
He just continues to progress and rise to every occasion, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. Its just kind of what he does.
SGAs calm demeanor masks a killer instinct. He got to his spots, midrange, paint, line, and didnt force a thing.
No one-man show achieves what Im trying to achieve, he added. All the stats and numbers, theyre fun but I dont get open without them out there.
Shais teammates feel that presence. Jalen Williams, who had 19 points and five dimes himself, put it simply: When your best player trusts you to make a play, it just gives you more confidence.
Aaron Wiggins (18 points, five threes) said what everyones thinking: Everyone sees the points but when hes out there sharing the ball, thats when were at our best.
Myles Turner, who had a front-row seat to the show, summed it up: Hes MVP for a reason.
Game 3 is coming. If history says anything, Shai will be ready.
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