Without a doubt, the highlight of Game 2 between OKC and Phoenix was the interaction between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks. On top of recreating the “pops” meme after scoring on his fellow Canadian, Gilgeous-Alexander also unleashed some trash talk to let Brooks know that he wasn’t backing down.
After the Thunder won 120-107 to go up 2-0 in the series, SGA commented on his exchange with Brooks Wednesday night. According to the reigning MVP, Brooks had been trying to mess with him in Game 1, and so Gilgeous-Alexander responded in kind.
“He was just doing his usual antics. Then, I scored on him. I let him hear it a little bit.”
Though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apparently said some words that were exclusively for Dillon Brooks’ ears, SGA’s gesture midway through the second quarter in Game 2 was for the entire NBA community to see.
With four and a half minutes left before halftime, Brooks was tightly guarding Gilgeous-Alexander on the perimeter. Going to his impeccable midrange game, SGA took two dribbles and swished a pull-up jumper. Afterwards, he pointed twice at Brooks to recreate a meme in mockery of the Suns guard.
The series is by no means over, which means fans can look forward to SGA and Brooks going at it for at least two more games.
“I Knew He’d Bounce Back”: Thunder HC Reaffirms Confidence in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Despite 1-for-5 Start
Speaking with reporters after Game 2, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said that he never lost his confidence in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander despite the reigning MVP missing four of his first five shots.
“The last thing I’m worried about is Shai’s shooting efficiency. Knew he’d bounce back.”
Gilgeous-Alexander went on to finish with 37 points on a 13-for-25 shooting clip.
