The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets in a decisive Game 7 of the 2024–25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, delivering a commanding 125–93 victory at home. The blowout capped a thrilling seven-game series and propelled the Thunder into the Western Conference Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with a performance worthy of MVP consideration, as OKC sealed the series 4–3.
The matchup featured two of the league’s top MVP candidates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, both battling for individual and team supremacy. But with the Thunder eliminating the defending champs in such dominant fashion, Chet Holmgren made it clear where he stands on the MVP race. “You know who this is? The MVP,” Holmgren said during the team’s postgame interview on ESPN, via ClutchPoints on X (formerly Twitter).
While the NBA MVP award had not yet been officially announced at the time, speculation around its timing only intensified following Gilgeous-Alexander’s star performance. It’s worth noting that the award is meant to reflect regular-season contributions only, but the magnitude of a Game 7 masterpiece is hard to ignore — especially when it comes from the leader of a No. 1 seed.
Technically, playoff games aren’t supposed to influence MVP voting. Still, it’s difficult to overlook what Gilgeous-Alexander continues to do on the biggest stage. His season-long excellence, along with elite shooting splits (52% FG, 38% 3PT, 90% FT), makes a compelling case. For many, he has been the best player on the league’s best team — and that combination is often hard for voters to resist.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered his best game of the series when it mattered most. He poured in 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting from the floor, controlling the pace and punishing Denver’s defense throughout. It was a career-defining performance for the Thunder guard, one that could solidify his place among the league’s elite — and possibly as its Most Valuable Player.
With their victory, the Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the surging Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota has become the postseason’s biggest surprise, earning the “giant slayer” moniker after eliminating the Lakers — led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić — and then the Warriors, featuring Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tips off Tuesday, May 20, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Timberwolves present a different kind of challenge, and the Thunder will need Gilgeous-Alexander to maintain his elite level of play if they want to reach the NBA Finals.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference Finals are set as well. The Indiana Pacers will face the New York Knicks, two teams with vastly different styles but equal determination. With the Final Four of the NBA postseason now in place, the chase for the Larry O’Brien Trophy intensifies.