Thunder Alexander stressed that despite winning Game 4, the team still "needs" to improve

Thunder player Shea Gilgers-Alexander stressed that despite winning Game 4, the team still "needed" to improve

Thunder All-Star player Shea Gilgers-Alexander stressed that the team needs to improve in the fifth game against the Pacers.

Oklahoma City -- After Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shay Gilgers-Alexander scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, saving Game 4 and the team's chance to win the NBA Finals, the MVP reminded reporters that this was not intentional. As the pivotal fifth game at the Paycom Center approaches, Gilgers Alexander stresses that if the team wants to push the Pacers to the brink of elimination, they need to play better.

Gilgers Alexander talked about the tiny room for turnovers in the NBA Finals and the Thunder's strategy in Game 4 was not ideal.

"It has always been our philosophy to win at all costs. It's the most important thing for us," said Gilgers-Alexander. "Now, over time, it's hard for us to win like we did in the last game, and if we want to win in the end, we have to correct this situation. So, we're grateful that we've put in enough effort to win, but we won't rely on the last game. We need to do better, and we'll do better."

In Game 4, the Thunder surpassed the Pacers in the fourth quarter for the first time, which is the first in the NBA Finals' seven-game four-win series. In the last quarter, Gilgers Alexander made up for the 9-point gap, scoring 15 of the Thunder's last 16 points, and finally eliminating the Indiana Pacers. He made 12 of 24 shots, scored 35 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Oklahoma City defeated his opponent 31-27 in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City returned to Pecom Center after losing its home advantage to a chance to lead 3-2 in Game 5 on Monday.

Shay Gilgers-Alexander said the Thunder "still have a lot of work to do"

Thunder All-Star Shay Gilgers-Alexander knew that the Pacers were not over yet and a possible loss in Game 5 would completely change the situation in the NBA Finals. In the seven-game four-win series, the two sides tied 2-2, and Gilgers Alexander knew that the Thunder were still out of reach for the NBA championship. Their battle for the Larry O'Brien trophy was a marathon, not a sprint with the Pacers.

Despite the Thunder's brave victory in Game 4, Gilgers Alexander said their mission is far from complete.

"It didn't feel relaxed. Personally, I'd rather win than lose," said Gilgers-Alexander. "I still feel like we have a lot of work to do. Obviously, we're half done, but it's still far from the finish line. I'm very focused on the next opportunity and try to catch it." The Thunder will host the Pacers at home on Monday for Game 5.