Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Pledges Improvement After Spurs Loss

NBA's Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, promised to play better in the upcoming games against the San Antonio Spurs, following Oklahoma City Thunder's defeat in Game 1 and loss of home-court advantage. The Spurs won the first match 122-115 after two overtimes, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 24 points and dishing out 12 assists in 51 minutes on the court, but only hitting 7 of 23 field goals and committing 4 turnovers.

Umba Nyama outplays MVP Shai in a dramatic overtime thriller

"We just have to be better – especially me. I have to be better, especially against a team of this caliber. That's all there is to it," declared the two-time consecutive MVP, as cited by ESPN.

Alex Caruso took advantage of the space provided by Victor Umba Nyama, hitting 8 of 14 three-point attempts for a career-high playoff game of 31 points. However, the Spurs are willing to make similar sacrifices to hinder Gilgeous-Alexander from achieving his usual performance levels.

"I know what my teammates are capable of, and what we can do as a team. It's just unfortunate that I didn't play my best tonight, but that happens sometimes. Sometimes you're your best version, sometimes you're not. You just have to keep moving forward, not give up, and stay true to yourself," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

For much of the game, the Canadian guard struggled to find his rhythm, but helped his team overcome a 10-point deficit and push the game into overtime. With 58 seconds remaining in the first overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander penetrated the Texas defense and scored over Victor Umba Nyama, giving his team a three-point lead, but could not score again before the end.

Game 2 of the series will be played at Oklahoma City Thunder's home on Wednesday night.