Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasted no time shutting down fatigue concerns, insisting his team is built to handle the pressure and intensity of the season’s biggest stage.

In the postgame press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander was direct when asked about the team’s energy levels late in the game. “There’s a maximum four games left in the season. It’s what you worked the whole season for. It’s what you worked all summer for. To me, the way I see it, you got to suck it up, get it done and try to get a win,” he told reporters.

His comments reflected a veteran mentality, emphasizing that at this point in the year, every player is dealing with aches, pains, and fatigue—but the truly great teams find a way to push through. For Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals are about mental toughness as much as physical endurance, and he made it clear the Thunder are not looking for excuses.

Pacers’ relentless defense puts Thunder to the test

While Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed the impact of fatigue, there’s no denying the Pacers’ defensive strategy has made life difficult for the Thunder’s star.

In Game 3, Indiana’s defenders picked up Gilgeous-Alexander an average of 65.5 feet from the basket—the furthest he’s been pressured in any game of his career. The Pacers blitzed him 12 times in the halfcourt, forcing him to give up the ball early and limiting his ability to create in isolation.

As a result, Gilgeous-Alexander was held to just three points on three shots in the crucial fourth quarter, and the Thunder were outscored 32-18 in the final 12 minutes. Indiana’s depth and commitment to high-energy defense have become a defining feature of this series, testing Oklahoma City’s composure and stamina.

Thunder’s focus remains

Despite the visible signs of wear and tear, Gilgeous-Alexander remains adamant that the Thunder’s mindset won’t change. “I don’t think it was anything out the blue, anything I hadn’t seen before,” he said, referencing the physical nature of playoff basketball.

The Thunder have faced adversity throughout the postseason, and their ability to respond to setbacks has been a hallmark of their run to the Finals. As they face the next game in Indiana, the team is determined to regroup, adjust, and find ways to counter Indiana’s pressure. 

With a maximum of four games left in their season, the Thunder know the margin for error is slim—but with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, they remain focused on their championship goal.

As the Finals continue, the spotlight will remain on how the Thunder respond—not just to the Pacers’ defense, but to the growing narrative around fatigue and youth.