May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks off the court after his team defeated the Denver Nuggets in game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Brutally Honest Statement After Nuggets-Thunder Series

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 20, 2025 1:59 AM ET

On Sunday afternoon, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 123-95 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

They are now headed to the Western Conference finals for the first time since the 2016 season.

Via The NBA: "HOW THE THUNDER WERE BUILT

Oklahoma City’s historic season continues with their first Western Conference Finals berth since 2016. Learn how this team came together!"

⛈️ HOW THE THUNDER WERE BUILT ⛈️

Oklahoma City’s historic season continues with their first Western Conference Finals berth since 2016. Learn how this team came together! pic.twitter.com/uN11Pweq2T
— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander finished Game 7 with 35 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block while shooting 12/19 from the field and 3/4 from the three-point range in 36 minutes of playing time.

Via Real Sports: "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the 5th most playoff games ever with 35+ PTS & 0 TOV.

Only MJ, Bron, Shaq, & KD have more."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the 5th most playoff games ever with 35+ PTS & 0 TOV.

Only MJ, Bron, Shaq, & KD have more. pic.twitter.com/rKJ4mrUsLV
— Real Sports (@realapp_) May 18, 2025

After the game, the superstar guard made an honest statement when he met with the media.

Gilgeous-Alexander (h/t NBA TV): "I was nervous, to be honest. Just knowing like, what's on the line... To know if you don't bring your A game, it could all be over with for nothing... I think that nervousness motivated me."

"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 Thunder have had an incredible season where they were the first seed in the Western Conference with a 68-14 record.

Before the Nuggets, they swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

Via The NBA: "One series away from the 2025 #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV.

Ant. Randle. Gobert. SGA. JDub. Chet.

The 6-seed Timberwolves and top-seeded Thunder clash in the Western Conference Finals with GAME 1 on Tuesday at 8:30pm/et on ESPN!"

One series away from the 2025 #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV.

Ant. Randle. Gobert.
SGA. JDub. Chet.

The 6-seed Timberwolves and top-seeded Thunder clash in the Western Conference Finals with GAME 1 on Tuesday at 8:30pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/QMyZE01bYT
— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2025