Sun May 25 03:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) received his MVP trophy before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Despite feeling “juiced up,” he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving them a 2-0 series lead. SGA scored 38 points, matching his playoff career high, along with 8 assists and 3 steals. Jalen Williams contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds. SGA emphasized letting the game come to him and relying on his teammates. He dominated the third quarter, helping the Thunder pull away. The Timberwolves acknowledged the Thunder’s proficiency in the midrange game, with SGA excelling there. After a slow start in Game 1, SGA has been dominant in the last six quarters. Thunder’s coach praised his mental toughness and consistency.

**News Article:**

**SGA’s MVP Performance Propels Thunder to 2-0 Lead Over Timberwolves**

OKLAHOMA CITY – Riding the momentum of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP award, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander, visibly moved by the pre-game ceremony honoring his MVP title, quickly shook off any nerves to deliver a stellar performance. He scored a playoff career-high-tying 38 points, adding 8 assists and 3 steals, dissecting the Timberwolves’ defense with his signature midrange prowess.

“I was a little bit too juiced up,” Gilgeous-Alexander admitted about the pre-game excitement. “I wanted to just let the game come to me. Lean on my teammates, play through them, play off of them.”

Jalen Williams provided crucial support with 26 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting SGA’s ability to keep the team focused. “It keeps the team at ease that he’s able to flip the page as quick as he is,” Williams said. “It kind of gets us in the same mode.”

After a tight first half, Gilgeous-Alexander ignited the Thunder’s offense in the third quarter, scoring 11 points during a decisive 35-21 run. The Timberwolves struggled to contain SGA’s midrange game, a point acknowledged by guard Mike Conley. “You can’t give that up to these guys. These guys make that shot,” Conley stated.

Following a slow start to the series, SGA has been unstoppable, racking up 58 points in the last six quarters. Coach Mark Daigneault praised his star’s mental resilience, noting, “He’s just got an unbelievable ability to not be in a groove and get himself there almost instantaneously.”

The Thunder will look to maintain their momentum as the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3.

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