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[Saba Sports News] Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a memorable response after his Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a dominant 134-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The highly anticipated clash between the NBA’s top two teams didn’t live up to the hype, as the Thunder controlled the game from start to finish.
They built a massive 38-point lead entering the fourth quarter, allowing their starters to rest while Cleveland trimmed the deficit to a more respectable 20 points by the final buzzer.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 40 points on an efficient 17-of-26 shooting. The Thunder shot 50.5% from the field and were nearly perfect from the line, hitting 10 of 11 free throws.
After the game, TNT’s Jared Greenberg pointed out that SGA’s big performance came without much reliance on free throws.
“I don’t need free throws,” Gilgeous-Alexander quipped. “When they come, it’s a plus. But I don’t need ’em. I get ’em however I take it.”
That comment perfectly encapsulates SGA’s approach: adaptable, confident, and focused on exploiting whatever the defense gives him.
Both teams now hold identical 34-6 records, with Cleveland maintaining a six-game lead over Boston in the East and Oklahoma City holding a seven-game lead over Houston in the West.
Despite the Cavs’ strong season, Thursday’s outcome made a compelling case for the Thunder as the league’s best team, and Gilgeous-Alexander continued to strengthen his MVP candidacy.