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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gets Honest About Game 3 Performance 5 May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) during the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Was 'Nervous' For Game 7

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 18, 2025 10:11 PM ET

Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets wasn’t close as the former had a dominating performance to advance to the Western Conference finals. The Thunder did not hold back and had a 125-93 victory to eliminate the Nuggets. It was a total team effort by Oklahoma City, with star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way.

SGA had 35 points on 63.2 percent shooting from the field. He added three rebounds, four assists and three steals in the game. His co-star, Jalen Williams, played incredible basketball for OKC. He had 24 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Williams made 58.8 percent of his field goals and was attentive on defense with his lone steal.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about his state of mind heading into Game 7. It was the second time he was put in a crucial elimination game in his career. However, the first time he had played a Game 7, he wasn’t the main guy.

SGA admitted that he was nervous coming into the game.

“I was nervous, to be honest,” SGA said. “Just knowing what’s on the line. We’ve worked so hard the whole 80-game season, we’ve all worked hard in the summer. To know, if you don’t bring your A-game, it could all be over with. All for nothing.”

“I think that nervousness motivated me and helped me play today. Helped me give my all… I used it to my advantage.”

"I was nervous, to be honest."

SGA with transparency on how big the Game 7 stage was, and how he stepped up to the plate. pic.twitter.com/hQDNTnLYa5

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 18, 2025

The next step for the Thunder is to try and outlast the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unlike them, the Wolves have been rested after ending their second-round series against the Golden State Warriors in five games.

Oklahoma City Thunder star will play against his cousin in the Western Conference finals

Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Was Feb 23, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza (55) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

While most people will be focused on seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander play against Anthony Edwards, there’s another rivalry in the Western Conference finals. It will be a family affair as SGA will go against his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

With the matchup brewing, the three-time All-Star is looking forward to playing against one of the closest people in his life.

“It’ll be very fun,” SGA said. “It’s hard to even explain. If you know how close we are. He’s like my second brother. We’ve been through every stage of life together… It’s very special.”

However, Gilgeous-Alexander is determined to go against his cousin.