Gilgeous-Alexander Shines in Crucial Playoff Win
DENVER – As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder exited the court after a pivotal road playoff victory, fans in the Denver Nuggets’ arena chanted “MVP,” highlighting his competition with Nuggets center Nikola Jokic for the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
In a closely contested Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the occasion, scoring a game-high 25 points along with six assists, leading the Thunder to a 92-87 win over the Nuggets. Despite a challenging offensive outing for both teams, the three-time All-Star secured nine points in the fourth quarter to clinch the victory.
With this win, the Thunder squared the best-of-seven series at 2-2. “For myself more than anything, it’s about embracing and conquering challenges,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “If I want to be that player, I can’t shy away. I expect myself to step up in crucial moments, and if I don’t, I work harder.”
Potential MVP Candidate
Gilgeous-Alexander is positioning himself as a strong candidate for the 2025 NBA MVP, alongside Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. He averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and five assists, ranking in the top five for both offensive and defensive ratings this season. The Thunder also led the league in regular-season wins with 68.
Focus on Winning a Championship
Contemplating the MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander remains focused on what truly matters: winning an NBA championship. The Thunder have not secured a title since relocating from Seattle in 2008, and for him, becoming the Finals MVP is far more desirable. “It’s about winning. Everyone in the organization, from ownership to management, is focused on it, and that’s all that matters,” he emphasized.
Managing Pressure with Resilience
Facing the Nuggets down 2-1 in the series, Gilgeous-Alexander recalled a previous Game 3 where he struggled significantly. Yet, he remained calm, stating, “I learn from my experiences. Shooting inconsistently doesn’t deter me from the moment; I focus on improvement.”
Family Support and Mindset
In preparing for the game, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his upbringing, mentioning that his parents did not pressure him during his athletic endeavors. Their unwavering support allowed him the freedom to play without added anxiety: “No matter what happens, they’ll love me the same, which helps me simply focus on my game.”
Sealing the Game
As Game 4 progressed and the Thunder confronted a 69-63 deficit entering the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander made a conscious effort to dominate. With crucial baskets and timely free throws, he contributed significantly to the Thunder’s late-game surge, noting, “All my effort from training and past games led to moments like this.”
As he leads the young Thunder team, an average age of 24, Gilgeous-Alexander understands the weight of expectations. He views each playoff game as critical and embraces the responsibility of being a key contributor as they aim for a championship. “As the leader, I carry that weight. We win together, and if we lose, that’s on me. But all I can do is stay present and work towards the next game,” he concluded.
