Kenny Smith takes brutal shots at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC after Tyrese Haliburton’s pyrotechnics: “OKC hasn’t figured out how to play” 

On Thursday, former Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith took some shots at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC Thunder after their Game 1 loss in the NBA Finals.

The comments came after Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot sealed an incredible win for his team at Paycom Center. Smith condemned the Thunder, claiming they haven’t figured out how to play in such high-profile games.

During his postgame analysis of Game 1, Smith was seen tearing into the OKC Thunder, as he compared the two teams. Explaining the reasons for their loss, the two-time NBA champion blamed it on their lack of experience at this level:

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"The Indiana Pacers have figured out how to play at this level. OKC has not."

Smith's comments stem from the Thunder's last-minute collapse against the Pacers in Game 1. Having led throughout the game, Oklahoma was seconds away from victory, but couldn't hold on for the win, as Haliburton sealed its loss with a game-winning shot.

This is the Thunder's first trip to the NBA Finals after winning the Western Conference title on their first try. However, they have an inexperienced squad and are led by a young leader in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. On the other hand, the Pacers were in the Conference finals last year and have experienced players among their ranks.

Former NBA champion Pascal Siakam is a perfect example, as he has led his team from the front, securing the Eastern Conference finals MVP along the way. Thomas Bryant has won an NBA title with the Nuggets previously, while players like Myles Turner and Haliburton bring extensive experience to the table.

While the Thunder aren't out as yet, they will need to figure out their games quickly if they are to beat a resilient Pacers team.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes history in first-ever NBA Finals appearance, despite heartbreaking loss

OKC Thunder star and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made history during his team's heartbreaking one-point loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Canadian dropped 38 points during his NBA Finals debut, which was the third-highest score by a Finals debutant in NBA history.

The NBA recognized SGA's performance after the game, posting a graphic on their official X/Twitter account that read:

"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made HISTORY in Game 1. His 38 PTS are the 3rd-most in a Finals debut EVER."

The point guard's performance was only bettered by Allen Iverson (2001) and George Mikan (1949), who scored 41 and 42 points, respectively.

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About the author

Arian Kashyap

Arian Kashyap is a basketball journalist at Sportskeeda with over two years of experience at Essentially Sports and Spice Bite and a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Sciences.

Arian's favorite team is the Miami Heat and it’s mainly down to Dwyane Wade being his favorite player of all time. Arian loved how explosive Wade was as a player and he had all the attributes, whether that be shooting, defending or passing. Arian really liked how he won titles both with and without a dynasty behind him.

Arian has also worked with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was the manager for a Delhi-based women’s team called Garwhal Untied. Garwhal won the Delhi league and were runners-up during his tenure.

Arian has judged essay writing competitions for the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India in 2023 and was a part of the U-14 team for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools academy that qualified for the AIFF Round in 2023.

When not working or watching sports, Arian likes riding his motorcycle and reading.

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