Shai Gilegous-Alexander doesn't take kindly to losses.
In these playoffs, every time the Oklahoma City Thunder have lost, SGA has upped his game in the ensuing contest.
OKC is hoping he can do that again on Sunday. He was strong in Game 1 of the Finals, scoring 38 points, but needed 30 shots to do so in the Thunder's heartbreaking loss.
There's precedent for Gilgeous-Alexander rebounding from that loss in a big way.
He responded to a Nuggets loss in the second round with 34 points on 11-for-13 shooting. In the next loss to Denver, SGA had just 18, then rebounded with 25.
The Thunder lost Game 6 to Denver when he had 32, then he had 35 in Game 7.
Then against Minnesota, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 4-for-13 in a Game 3 loss, then dropped 40 in Game 4.
His play style aligns with the calm that he feels in these moments. SGA doesn't look bothered, and it's because he isn't.
He's an ultra-competitive bucket getter, and he knows when his team needs one, he can deliver.
The Thunder can't afford to go down 2-0 in the Finals to the Pacers, so don't count on Gilgeous-Alexander being passive. He'll be in attack mode, and he'll have a great chance of evening the series up at 1-apiece.
MORE: Tyrese Haliburton has the NBA's most unique birthday