Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his worst game in almost a year. It didn't matter

OKLAHOMA CITY — Consider the standard set by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Anything less than a monopoly on the midrange feels off. Performances shy of 20 points are unheard of. Efficiency is religion, and turnovers are almost sinful.Now consider his performance in Game 1 of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Western Conference semifinal series versus the Los Angeles Lakers: 18 points on 15 shots, his fewest points in any game since Game 3 of last year’s West finals, and seven turnovers, his most in any game since Game 6 of last June’s NBA Finals.Advertisement