The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a statement victory in Game 7 of the 2024–25 NBA Western Conference Semifinals, dismantling the Denver Nuggets 125–93 at home. The night belonged to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose MVP-level performance propelled OKC into the Western Conference Finals for the first time in his career against Minnesota Timberwolves.
While Gilgeous-Alexander prepares for his first trip to the conference finals, his cousin — Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker — is returning to the stage after last year’s playoff run. Following the win, SGA spoke candidly about facing his family in a high-stakes series that goes beyond basketball.
“It’ll be very fun. It’s hard to even explain,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters. “If you know how close we are — he’s literally like my second brother. We’ve been through every stage together, from picking up a basketball to prep school to making the NBA. For both of us to be here is special. Competing against each other makes it even more special. But I’m trying to take his head off, for sure. Completely.”
Gilgeous-Alexander picked the perfect moment to deliver his best outing of the series, scoring 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting while dictating the tempo and exposing Denver’s defense. It was the kind of performance that elevates legacies — and perhaps secures his case as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter of Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs
There’s little doubt about the difference in profile between the cousins. Gilgeous-Alexander is widely considered the MVP frontrunner after eliminating fellow contender Nikola Jokić. Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker has carved out a role as a dependable reserve for Minnesota, providing energy and spacing off the bench.
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In the postseason, Alexander-Walker is averaging 6.5 points and 2.2 assists in just under 19 minutes per game. His Timberwolves took down the Golden State Warriors in five games to advance. They’ll now travel to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
After Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander also praised the growth of teammate Jalen Williams, who played a key role in the second quarter to help swing the momentum. Williams, who has emerged as a reliable secondary option, will be critical to OKC’s chances against Minnesota in the NBA Western Conference Finals.
“Dub was a big reason for our little stretch in the second quarter. It gave us momentum,” SGA said. “His growth as a basketball player — we’ve seen that all year. But mentally, he’s taken an even bigger leap. He wouldn’t have played the way he did today last year, and I know that 100 percent. Seeing him take that step forward is a proud moment for me.”
“Knowing what he goes through day to day, and where he comes from — that’s really my brother,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “To see him improve in those areas, it’s special. It’s fun. It just makes this whole experience even more meaningful.”
