Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Strong Message on OKC Teammates After Game 5
The Oklahoma City Thunder are now one win away from returning to their second consecutive NBA Finals, after a 127-114 win on their home court in Game 5.
Two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up to the occasion for OKC, scoring 32 points with 7 of 19 field goal shooting, and making 16 of 17 free throw attempts. He also dished out nine assists to his teammates in the latest win.
Many believe that the Thunder are only as good as their All-Stars’ performances, but SGA dismissed that notion with his humble postgame remarks.
“I don’t have this individual success, this team doesn’t have this success, without all 15 guys in the locker room. And we proved it tonight. If it was five me’s out there, we would have been down 20 after the first quarter. The guys were great to start the game,” he said in his postgame remarks.
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Multiple Thunder teammates rose to the occasion in the Game 5 victory, including Chet Holmgren with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Isaiah Hartenstein with 12 points and 15 boards.
Jared McCain filled in admirably as a starter, scoring 20 points, with both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell out. Alex Caruso contributed another 22 points off the bench, knocking down four 3s in the contest.
SGA’s statement is a testament to the team’s journey, and his humble nature reflects that he couldn’t have done this without them. However, they really couldn’t do it without him either.
The Thunder is not only a team that plays well on both offense and defense, but also one with the depth to weather the storm of injuries to most players, except SGA. They’ve managed to sustain injuries to a starter, Williams, and his backup, Mitchell, seemingly with ease.
Any injury to SGA during the regular season or playoffs would be devastating for OKC, making it difficult to bounce back. Thankfully, he’s remained healthy and able to lead his squad to success.
OKC also brings an experience factor to the postseason. The Thunder have been here before, while this young San Antonio Spurs team has not. OKC now realizes they have them on the ropes and can close things out in Game 6.
The Spurs’ must-win matchup is at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night in San Antonio.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:19 AM.