Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's mentality pays dividends for Thunder in Game 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot 2-of-13 in the first half of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder.

The presumptive MVP's struggles felt like the Thunder getting a taste of their own medicine. In the previous series, OKC crowded Nikola Jokic every time he touched the ball, forcing the Nuggets star into a series of uncharacteristic turnovers. The strategy worked wonders.

The Timberwolves had a similar game plan for SGA, who was blitzed every time he dribbled the ball in the first half. The guard's struggles were so pronounced that many were preparing to write him off. 

Playing off the ball

The second half was a completely different story. SGA played off the ball, with Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso initiating the offense. He repeatedly caught the ball in the mid-post like an old-school shooting guard (ala Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant) and went into his bag. As more of a receiver than an initiator, he could operate with more space and execute single-dribble jumpers before Minnesota's defense could load up. 

The adjustment paid dividends as SGA scored an efficient 20 second-half points to steer his team to a 1-0 series lead. Although Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit for the altered game plan, SGA showed mental fortitude by not getting rattled by Minnesota's defense. 

His mental toughness has been one of the talking points of the playoffs. After Thunder went down 2-1 to the Nuggets, he shockingly left the court with a huge grin instead of reacting in a downtrodden way. Later, he revealed he didn't want to show his weakness to the Nuggets. SGA and Co. had the last laugh in a Game 7 win.

Gilgeous-Alexander continues to prove he's built for the playoffs.