By Joel Perez 
The Oklahoma City Thunder took Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals over the Minnesota
Timberwolves, even holding Anthony Edwards scoreless in the fourth quarter. While I wouldn’t
call this a series-deciding win—it’s only Game 1—it was absolutely a tone-setter.
Edwards and the rest of the Wolves have to make adjustments on both ends of the court, with
ball security being priority number one. Minnesota had 19 turnovers, which led to 31 Thunder
points. That’s not a winning formula—not for a single playoff game, let alone a full series.
Second, the Wolves need to find easier buckets instead of settling for threes all game. OKC’s
defense has a way of neutralizing stars by blocking off key areas—like the elbows—and, most
importantly, locking down the paint. On the flip side, Minnesota needs to make life tougher for
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
NBA Twitter was on fire last night with outrage over some truly questionable calls—except, of
course, from OKC fans who are loving every second of it. Shai has recently been labeled a “free
throw merchant” and with the spotlight fully on him in the Western Conference
Finals—especially against everyone’s new favorite player, Anthony Edwards—that talk is only
getting louder.
It wouldn’t be surprising if there’s film from Game 1 sent to the league office for review. I expect
there will be some adjustments to how those calls are made going forward. But hey, I don’t
blame Shai for taking advantage—if the whistles are going in his favor, it’s on the defense to
adjust.
Ironically, the day after all that officiating controversy, news broke that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
has officially been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported it
yesterday afternoon—and it’s beyond well deserved.
Shai led OKC to a league-best 68 wins while averaging 32.7 points per game on 51.9%
shooting, along with 6.4 assists and 5 rebounds per game. He didn’t do it alone—this Thunder
team might be the most talented supporting cast a superstar could ask for—but he’s the one
who sets the tone. He gets everyone locked in and ready to compete every night.
It’s wild to think that a few years ago, Shai was considered a “throw-in” in the Paul George
trade. OKC sent PG to the Clippers in exchange for Shai and a haul of first-round picks—one of
which turned into Jalen Williams, who made his first All-Star appearance this season.
What a turnaround for this Thunder franchise. From intentionally losing games to gain draft
position, to a 68-win season and their third MVP in franchise history—Kevin Durant was first,
Russell Westbrook second, and now Shai. What a time to be an OKC fan.
Now the big question: Can they get past Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves? It won’t be
easy, but it’s going to be a battle worth watching.
Angel Rivera 
Kevin Gonzalez 
Joel Perez