May 23 (UPI) -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's first NBA MVP trophy gave him an overflow of energy when he returned to the court, but he tamed the electricity to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 38 points in the 118-103 Game 2 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday in Oklahoma City. He also recorded eight assists, three steals and three rebounds.
"He came ready to play," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault told reporters about Gilgeous-Alexander. "We knew that Minnesota, off of Game 1, would come out and play the way they did.
"They were putting us in close-outs and passing the ball and sharp opening the game. ... That's where you need guys to lead and I thought he led."
Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the Thunder to the best record (68-14) in the NBA and most wins in franchise history, received his MVP award at half court in a pregame ceremony at Paycom Center. He went on to record eight points in the first quarter and 19 points in each half of the the victory,
