Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Game 3 loss to Timberwolves: 'We got punched in the mouth'

Nothing went right for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. When he's off, the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder soon follow. Those heavy responsibilities fall on the shoulders of an MVP winner. As they were buried on the scoreboard, the 26-year-old couldn't get going to keep it within striking distance.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting, six assists and two rebounds. He shot 2-of-5 from 3 and went 4-of-4 on free throws. The Thunder suffered a 143-101 Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The jumpers didn't rattle in. And the drives to the basket didn't fall through or result in a whistle. This was the best the Timberwolves have looked all season to shut down Gilgeous-Alexander. Edwards outshone him in the matchup of franchise superstars.

"They were obviously heavy on the shell like they always are. We got some pretty good looks in the game from three and they didn't fall. We were taken the ball off the net for the majority of the game. They got back and were able to set their defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I don't care who you are in the NBA. Against a good defense, it's hard to score on a good set."

The score was so lopsided that Gilgeous-Alexander's night was cut short to 27 minutes. That's the only bright spot of an otherwise ugly showing. I guess you can also spin that the MVP winner played so badly, you have to count this stinker as an anomaly and bounce back with a better Game 4.

"We just didn't bring it from an energy and focus standpoint. We just didn't have it. They obviously had it," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "With the sense of urgency knowing if they go down 3-0, it would be pretty tough. What it felt like we'd just ease into the game. And they didn't. They blitzed pretty early and we were never able to get back because of it."

The Thunder can only go up from here. A historic playoff run has seen them make history again, but for the wrong reasons. Gilgeous-Alexander explained these are parts of the back-and-forth of a playoff series. Especially in the Western Conference Finals.

"It happens. You're never going to be perfect in life. It's a long season. Now you get punched, it's about getting back up and responding," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "That's what the next challenge is. We got punched in the mouth today. Next game, we're either going to get back up or not; we'll lose a game. We have a decision to make for sure."

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 'got punched' in Game 3 loss to Timberwolves