Thunder exit interviews highlight Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 display, injury impact and offseason outlook
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped the Western Conference finals with 35 points on 12-of-21 shooting, nine assists, four rebounds, three steals and a block in 43 minutes during Saturday’s Game 7 loss to San Antonio. Head coach Mark Daigneault called the back-to-back MVP “brilliant,” noting the performance would have been a major storyline had Oklahoma City advanced.
After the 124-119 defeat, the 27-year-old guard praised the Spurs’ chemistry and coaching. “They’re young, they’re talented, well-coached… They have the makeup, for sure,” he said. Asked about roster decisions, Gilgeous-Alexander deferred, saying he will give “zero input” and will “let Sam Presti, the greatest GM ever, do his job.”
Injuries overshadow series
The Thunder played most of the matchup without starting forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) and rookie guard Ajay Mitchell (calf). While players acknowledged the absences, they refused to cite them as excuses. “Injuries are part of any playoff run,” veteran guard Alex Caruso said.
Daigneault conceded that missing Williams and Mitchell lowered the club’s ceiling but praised a 64-win season and league-best net rating. “We’ve been able to maintain a really high floor,” he said, adding that a healthy roster is the priority for 2026-27.
Season labeled a ‘failure’
Gilgeous-Alexander described 2025-26 as a failure because the Thunder did not claim a second consecutive championship. “I failed at my goal,” he said, vowing to study the reasons and prevent a repeat.
Williams, sidelined for nearly the entire series, believes his presence could have changed the outcome. “Obviously I think I could have made an impact. We went to seven without me playing,” he noted.
Wallace focused on development
Second-year guard Cason Wallace, an All-Defensive Second Team selection, said a potential rookie-scale extension is not his main concern this summer. “I’m more focused on getting better and being able to compete next season,” the former lottery pick said.
Source: HoopsRumors
