** Assistant Coach Critiques Gilgeous-Alexander During Finals Game

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In a dramatic Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, tensions ran high not only on the court but also behind the scenes. During the pivotal matchup, an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder reached out to reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic with a candid assessment of star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance. The coach bluntly expressed that Gilgeous-Alexander had “been atrocious,” a sentiment that resonated loudly as the game unfolded., according to hoopswire.com

As the second half commenced, the Thunder faced a pressing need to turn the tide against the Indiana Pacers, who had been applying relentless pressure throughout the contest. At halftime, Gilgeous-Alexander had recorded 12 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting but found himself with a troubling minus-12 rating, which prompted the assistant coach’s critique.

“I honestly think SGA has been atrocious,” the assistant noted in his message. “He looks tired. Worn out. Slow. They haven’t had to double him. It hasn’t been some magical scheme. The Pacers have just worn him out with their pressure. They did the same to (the New York Knicks’ Jalen) Brunson in the Eastern Conference finals. He’s looked so bad on defense.”

Despite the early struggles, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his resilience and elite talent in the second half. The MVP candidate exploded for 23 points, with an impressive 15 of those coming in the crucial fourth quarter. It was a remarkable turnaround that not only silenced critics but also reinvigorated the Thunder’s chances in the finals.

Finishing the game with 35 points, three steals, and shooting splits of 12-of-24 from the field, 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 10-of-10 from the charity stripe, Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the league’s premier talents. After the game, he reflected on his performance, stating, “I just tried to be aggressive. I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight. I didn’t want to go out not swinging. I didn’t want to go out not doing everything I could do in my power, in my control.”

The Thunder’s victory in this critical game has not only brought them back into the series but also highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to rise to the occasion under pressure. The duality of his performance illustrates the complexities of high-stakes basketball, where moments of struggle can lead to significant comebacks. As the series continues, all eyes will be on Gilgeous-Alexander to see if he can maintain this level of intensity and performance against the formidable Pacers.

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