The Denver Nuggets were eliminated in the NBA Western Conference Semifinals after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7. Despite a strong showing from Nikola Jokić, the defending champions couldn’t overcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance. For Denver, the absence of consistent help from Jamal Murray proved costly.
After the final buzzer, a heartfelt moment transcended the competitive intensity. Jamal Murray approached Gilgeous-Alexander — his fellow Canadian — and offered a message that quickly resonated back home: “Bring it home. Bring it home for the 6ix.” A sentiment that may sting for Nuggets fans, but one that instantly struck a chord with supporters across Canada.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 35 points in the series and sealed it with a dominant Game 7 performance, eliminating the Murray-led Nuggets in emphatic fashion. The mutual respect between the two stars was clear, and with Denver now out, Murray made no secret of his support — urging Shai to finish the job and bring an NBA title home for Canadian basketball.
The diverging paths of Canada’s finest
Gilgeous-Alexander is now a top contender — if not the favorite — for this season’s MVP award. He led Oklahoma City to a 68-win campaign and has emerged as one of the league’s premier point guards. His leadership and poise have elevated the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals, placing him among the NBA’s elite.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs
Murray, meanwhile, is still seeking to recapture the form that helped deliver a title to Denver in 2023. His postseason run this year was marred by inconsistency and a lack of depth around him. In Game 7, Murray finished with just 13 points on 6-of-16 shooting — a frustrating performance in contrast to Shai’s explosive night.
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With the Thunder moving on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander will clash with Anthony Edwards in a battle of rising superstars. Adding intrigue is the family tie: Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is Shai’s cousin, setting the stage for an emotionally charged Conference Finals.
Canada’s basketball rise hits new heights
The Canadian presence in the NBA has never been more significant. From Andrew Wiggins to RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks, Canadian players are making their mark across the league. Gilgeous-Alexander now stands as the face of this new generation — a role Jamal Murray once held. Their postgame moment felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.
As Shai carries the hopes of a nation deeper into the playoffs, the growth of Canadian basketball is on full display. And for Murray, his support for his countryman shows the unity that runs deeper than team colors — a shared pride in the rise of Canadian excellence on the NBA’s biggest stage.
