Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sends strong message to Thunder ahead of crucial Game 7 of the NBA Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are one win away from making NBA history. Sunday night’s Game 7 will determine the new NBA champion—and for either team, it would mark the franchise’s first title. While the Thunder won a championship back in 1979, that title came under the Seattle SuperSonics name. This time, Oklahoma City is looking to carve out a legacy of its own.

Amid the high-stakes atmosphere, Thunder star and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the moment and made sure his teammates understand the magnitude of what’s at stake.

“This is a really exciting opportunity—like a dream come true,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters during practice. “Above all, I try to look at it as a blessing and an opportunity. Then, go out there and try to be the best version of myself”.

This will be the Thunder’s first true win-or-go-home moment of the postseason, and Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of staying grounded in what got them this far. His message to the locker room was simple: be yourselves.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“I think that’s what we need to do, what we have to do, across the board,” he said. “Don’t try to do anything spectacular. Don’t try to do anything that you haven’t done before or be less of what you’ve been. Just be who you are and what got you here”.

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Gilgeous-Alexander also made it clear that bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy should be the team’s only focus, urging his teammates to lock in with maximum intensity.

“It has to be an emphasis. It has to be at the top of our minds. It has to be all we care about,” he noted. “Above all, we just have to want to do it. We just have to have a sense of urgency in that part of the game”.

With one game left to decide the season—and potentially define careers—the Thunder will look to their leader to set the tone as they chase the ultimate prize on home court.