NBA-Play-offs: Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander helps Oklahoma City Thunder to come past Minnesota Timberwolves

Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander led the struggle of the Oklahoma City Thunder from a “rusty” start to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves and win the first game of her NBA Western Conference Finals series.

After Julius Randle was able to pour 20 points in the first half, Minnesota was on track after a surprise against the top seeds after taking 48-44 in the half.

But the thunder gathered in the last two quarters, with Gilgeous-Alexander achieving 20 of his 31 points to help his team for a 114-88 victory.

“To be honest, we were a bit rusted in the first half, but we shouldn't be,” said Gilgeous-Alexander in an interview on ESPN.

“We were missing layups, free throws. We only had to be aggressive and trust our work.”

The MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 30 or more points for a fourth game in episode, also ended five rebounds and nine assists.

“Game-out-out games. In the second game you will make adjustments and we will have adjustments. It is a series and it is the best-of-Seven, not first to a one,” added Gilgeous-Alexander.

“It's a good start, but there is much more to do.”

The second game of the series will take place on Friday (01:30 BST) in Oklahoma City.