Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Places Blame After Game 1 Loss to Spurs

The 14th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP awards was left pointing the finger at himself after the Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first game of the Western Conference Finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he didn’t play his best basketball in the 122-115 double overtime loss that saw Victor Wembanyama tie the game at 108 with a 30-foot three pointer reminiscent of Stephen Curry.

“We just got to be better — me, in particular,” he said. “I have to be better, especially against a team of this caliber. Nothing more than that.”

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“I know what my teammates are capable of, what we’re capable of as a team when we bring it,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “It’s just unfortunate that I wasn’t able to bring my best game tonight, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Sometimes, you’re your best version, sometimes you’re not. You’ve got to roll with the punches, don’t get discouraged and stay true to who you are.”

SGA struggled to find a rhythm against San Antonio, making only three of his first 14 field goal attempts before a late scoring flurry helped the Thunder rally from a 10-point deficit to force overtime. He finished the game 7-of-23 from the field with 24 points, 12 assists and five steals, but committed a team-high four turnovers.

Game 2 between the Spurs and Thunder is set for Wednesday, May 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 8:44 AM.