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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Strong Message Ahead of Game 7 vs. Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Ettinger | Last updated May 16, 2025 11:17 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets Western Conference semifinals matchup has been pushed to the brink. Following a Game 6, 119-107 victory by the Nuggets, a win or go home scenario has entered the building.

The two teams will enter Paycom Center on Sunday, with only one team exiting victorious.

This series has been a close battle between two battle-tested-teams, consisting of the leading candidates for the NBA MVP award. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic both had historic regular seasons, and have brought their elite level of play to an exciting playoff series.

While Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 32 points on an impressive 11-for-16 from the field in Game 6, his sidekick, Jalen Williams, failed to bring his game to the arena on Thursday night. Williams scored just six points on 3-for-16 shooting from the field.

Jokic had another strong showing, dropping 28 points to go along with 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block.

While both teams are deserving of a place in the Western Conference finals, only one will see their dream continue. Gilgeous-Alexander sent a strong message on how he will approach Game 7 against the Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.

SGA on the upcoming Game 7:

"It's do or die. It's what you live for. It's what you worked your whole life for." https://t.co/RYqq25V2HJ pic.twitter.com/10x2XrwB1Z
— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2025

"It's do or die. It's what you live for. It's what you worked your whole life for. Either your dream continues or your dream ends. So, you lay it all out there on the floor and live with the results," Gilgeous-Alexander said.

The Thunder look to return to the Western Conference finals for the first time since the 2015-16 season. They held the best record in the NBA this season at 68-14. On the other hand, the Nuggets are attempting to win their second NBA championship in the span of three years. Jokic is also seeking his fourth MVP award in five seasons.

Game 7 will tip-off on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EDT inside Paycom Center on ABC. Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves await the winner of Game 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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