Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes Jalen Williams guarantee after Game 7

OKLAHOMA CITY — All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a lopsided 125-93 victory against the Denver Nuggets to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combined for 59 points in Sunday’s win as the Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

Williams scored 17 of his 24 points in the first half, finishing 10-of-17 from the floor, including a pair of threes with seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal. After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the growth he’s seen in Williams between now and last year’s postseason run.

“Dub was a big reason for our little stretch of the lead in the second quarter. It gave us momentum,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “His growth as a basketball player, obviously, we’ve seen it all year. But his growth mentally has been more impressive to me. He wouldn’t have played the way he played today last year and I know that 100 percent. And to see him take that step forward, is a really proud moment for me.

“Just knowing what he goes through on a day-to-day basis, knowing where he comes from. That’s really my brother. And to see him get better in those areas, it’s special. It’s fun. It makes this whole experience a little more special,” Gilgeous-Alexander concluded.

For SGA, Williams’ Game 7 performance is proof of how Jalen’s risen to becoming one of the NBA’s rising stars this season.

“He brought his A-game when we needed it the most,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “That’s what makes you the top of the upper echelon of this league, and the sky’s the limit for Dub as we all know.”