SGA Says Spurs 'Punched Us In Our Face Early,' Talks Thunder's Game 4 Loss in NBA Playoffs

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't mince words while dissecting Game 4's 103-82 loss against the San Antonio Spurs, a result that evened the Western Conference Finals at two games apiece.

"They just punched us in our face early," he told reporters following Sunday's loss (34:00 mark). "That's two games in a row they've come out the aggressors. Last game we were able to course correct. Tonight, we just didn't do so. Yeah, we've got to do a better job of starting the games. Obviously it's a little more challenging when you're on the road, and we know that, but we've gotta go out there and do it if we wanna win games. Especially against a team that good."

It was a rough night for SGA, who finished with 19 points, shot just 6-of-15 from the field and was minus-18.

And while role players like Alex Caruso (31 points in Game 1, 21 PPG through the first three games) and Jared McCain (24 points in Game 3) had been fantastic earlier in the series, the pair were held to four points on Sunday and didn't hit a single three.

Struggles from deep were a theme in Game 4, as the Thunder shot 33 percent from the field and a woeful 18 percent from three (6-of-33). San Antonio ratcheted up the defensive pressure, forcing 17 turnovers.

The Spurs seemed less intent on throwing added defenders in SGA's direction, keeping his supporting cast from getting open looks. The strategy worked, especially with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell—two of the team's top-four scorers in both the regular season and playoffs—out injured.

If Williams (left hamstring soreness) and Mitchell (lower calf strain) can't go for Tuesday's Game 5, the Thunder are going to need to find an alternative path to supplemental offense behind SGA.

Otherwise the Spurs are going to keep punching them in the face, early and often.