Anyone had OKC in 5? You’d be swimming in cash right now. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams came to the rescue, thundering them to a comfortable 118-103 win to make it 2-0. For them, it’s just easy pickings. But it wasn’t SGA or J-Will’s brilliance that got them over the line. On a night where Shai’s MVP initiation took center stage, Luguentz Dort came into the game with a point to prove. And after his first-ever All-NBA Defensive First Team honors, the pair doubled down on why he’s their most important player.
The NBA’s box numbers really don’t do Dort justice. But his partnership with Carson Wallace subdued the hungry Wolves to shooting 41% of the floor. And that’s why SGA said this in his postgame press:
“A lot of things made me happier this year in terms of our team. Lu’s been what he’s been this year, his whole career. And for him to finally get the recognition that he deserves is very special. It’s more impressive that like he just stuck with it throughout not getting it and just doing what’s better for the team. He like diminished his role a couple years ago to do what’s better for the team.”
If there ever was a heat map, Lu Dort would have red all over the floor. And Julius Randle will still be wondering where he came from. His basketball IQ and the innate ability to execute steals so effortlessly changed the game for the Thunder. OKC outscored Minnesota 22-10 in points off turnovers. For the series, it’s 53-20 Thunder in that category. In this team, everyone chips in with their defensive contributions. But for J-Will, a heap of those contributions come from the Dorture Chamber.
“Playing defense and then like, he doesn’t shoot as many shots as I get to shoot. And for him to still go out there every night and guard literally the best player on the floor every single night for 82 games. And then how many games we play in the playoffs. Yeah, best player on the other team every night for 82 games and then some during the playoffs. Again, he’s shooting like 20 shots a night. And he’s doing that for his whole career for him to finally have that breakthrough is really cool. It’s definitely a special moment. I know he’s really happy about it,” said J-Will in his postgame press.
Kendrick Perkins spoke on this Timberwolves team having no chance if Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets didn’t have a chance. And if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. are firing on all fronts, they’re already facing an uphill battle. Although, they’re no side to underestimate. They did just come off two 5-1 series wins against the Lakers and Warriors, respectively. And they will come out fighting with readjustments. But the Thunder will be ready.
Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ready for Timberwolves home crowd
OKC posted a league-best 32-8 away record in the regular season. They go into the Target Center with a 2-0 lead, which should give them enough confidence to try and scrape at least one win before another double-header at the Paycom for games 5 and 6. But regardless of the thunderous Timberwolves fans, Chet Holmgren and OKC will be ready.
“We understand that there’s a really good team on the other side of this with good coaches and good players. They’re going to have adjustments. They’re going to come out swinging and ready to play. So we got to do the same thing. And we got to bring it. Every team is more comfortable, more confident on their own home floor. So we know what to expect. We got to go out there and be ready for it,” said Chet in his postgame press.
The best of the West were an even 1-1 at the Target Center in Minnesota during the regular season. And the Timberwolves posted a respectable 25-16 record at home. So Game 3 will be very interesting. Although Mark Daigneault’s tactics got the better of the Wolves in the first two games, Chris Finch is experienced enough to find a workaround. And Chet Holmgren says they will be ready, so they will be.
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts to forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocking a shot by a New Orleans Pelicans player during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Can you just imagine what the Wolves have to get through? They already got MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to guard. If they suppress him, they will still have Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to try and guard. And then going forward, Lu Dort will come with a “you shall not pass” type attitude that won’t budge. Do you think Anthony Edwards and Co. stand a chance?
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