May 9, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts before the game against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Reason for Smile After Nuggets-Thunder

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated May 10, 2025 3:18 AM ET

Falling behind 2-1 in the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs isn't normally a happy matter — it wasn't for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

He had appearances to uphold, however.

"Some fans were taunting me," the Oklahoma City Thunder star said of walking off the court with a smile after a Game 3 loss to the Denver Nuggets. "I don't ever want to show them that I'm defeated or mad."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was SMILING as he walked off the court after the Game 3 defeat

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/iD5EVHU48Q
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 10, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander finished Friday night's contest with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists on an inefficient 7-for-22 shooting from the field. In overtime, the point guard failed to score or attempt a shot, which played a large role in the Nuggets' ability to pull away for a home victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Nuggets fans taunting him painted a smile on his face moments after losing Game 3:

“It easy to taunt when you’re up… nothing’s written. The series is not over and we have a lot to be optimistic about” pic.twitter.com/R38OL27YmP
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) May 10, 2025

No one expected the Denver Nuggets to win Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. No one expected the team to win Game 3 either, but somehow they did it. Game after game, the Nuggets have found a way to defy expectations, even going as far back as the first round against the LA Clippers.

Despite that, the Oklahoma City Thunder are ready for the challenge.

Perhaps the biggest challenge? Fending off a battle-tested Denver squad led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. That's not normally something to smile at, either.