Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, following OKC's defeat against the Spurs: "I have to be better"

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not hide his frustration after the Oklahoma City Thunder lost Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs. The reigning MVP, who received his second consecutive trophy before the game, admitted he was far from his best in the 122-115 double-overtime loss.

The Canadian guard finished with 24 points and 12 assists in 51 minutes, but shot a modest 7 for 23 from the field and turned the ball over four times against San Antonio's stifling defense.

"We just have to be better, starting with me," acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander. "I have to be better, especially against a team of this caliber. There is not much more to say."

The Spurs focused their entire defensive plan on stopping the star of Oklahoma. The constant help defense, the double teams, and above all, the intimidation of Victor Wembanyama completely disrupted the Thunder's offense.

The French center, unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year, once again showed why he is one of the most dominant players in the league. Although he only had three blocks, his presence consistently disrupted drives and forced Oklahoma to seek offensive alternatives.

"It's a huge challenge," Shai acknowledged about Wembanyama. "He's very tall, very long, and changes a lot of things near the rim. You have to be smart when attacking the paint. Be patient, but also aggressive. If you overthink it, you lose aggressiveness, and that's where they control the game."

For many stretches of the game, Oklahoma's offense became predictable. The Spurs loaded up the defense on Gilgeous-Alexander every time he initiated from the top of the court, forcing him to pass the ball or take uncomfortable shots.

Nevertheless, the MVP responded in the final stretch of regulation time. After starting with just three baskets in his first 14 attempts, he led the Thunder's comeback with 10 points in the last five and a half minutes. He also created two key plays for Alex Caruso, who took advantage of the open spaces to punish from beyond the arc.

Shai acknowledges he fell short

However, not even that late surge was enough to avoid defeat. Wembanyama responded in overtime with a decisive three-pointer, and Gilgeous-Alexander did not score again in the extra periods.

"I didn't make enough plays tonight personally," admitted the Oklahoma star. "But I felt that's what the game needed: to be aggressive, attack the paint, and create opportunities."

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