Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thinks he has taken a step forward in the mental aspect of his game after helping the Oklahoma City Thunder complete a first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The MVP finalist had 38 points on the back of 13-for-24 shooting as the Thunder overcame the Grizzlies 117-115 in Saturday's Game 4 to progress to the Western Conference semi-finals in the NBA's postseason.

Gilgeous-Alexander also had five rebounds, six assists and two steals in the close-out victory that sets up a series with either the Los Angeles Clippers or Denver Nuggets, who are currently tied at 2-2.

Speaking after the win, the 26-year-old said: "I'm impressed with my level to, I guess, stay with it. 

"In the past, I, for sure, would've turned down the aggressiveness a little bit. I think I made a jump as far as that this year. That's something I'm definitely proud of. 

"I try not to focus on the results and just focus on my mental development. I think I've taken a step forward in that and I had a night like tonight because of it.

Round 1: COMPLETE pic.twitter.com/IoRalVvhz6

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 27, 2025

"In the past, I definitely would've shied away from the moment because of where my shooting was headed. 

"I think I've taken a step mentally, but I think I've done so all season and been paid off in the moment, on the night when we needed it."

Team-mate Chet Holmgren said of Gilgeous-Alexander: "I think he played a hell of a series.

"He was making the right plays all series, making the right reads, trusting people, and that's been really helpful, not only for myself, but for Jalen [Williams], for everybody down the list. 

"And I don't see that changing. He's going to continue to play great. And when that ball's going in at a high clip, you guys are going to be up here asking me how special he was that night."