The Western Conference Finals is finally set after the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Denver Nuggets, 125-93, in Game 7 of their semifinal series on Sunday afternoon.
OKC’s victory means they will be facing off against the well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves in what many expect to be a slam-bang affair between one team that is seeking redemption after falling short in the WCF last season and another that is looking to make a statement in their first trip to the conference finals since 2016.
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While there are many subplots in this showdown, one worth looking into is the clash between Thunder superstar and the presumptive league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin, Timberwolves reserve guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
According to SGA, he expects their match-up to be special, given everything they have had to hurdle, from making names for themselves as Canadian hoopers to facing off for the right to advance to the NBA Finals.
Set aside family matters for now
Shortly after dropping 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting to eliminate Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, the 6’6″ guard, widely regarded as a favorite for this season’s MVP, reflected on his close bond with Nickeil. SGA shared how meaningful it is to compete alongside someone who shares the same aspirations, calling it a “fun” experience.
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“It’ll be very fun. It’s hard to even explain. Like, if you know how close we are — he’s literally like my second brother. He’s been through every stage of life with me,” the former Kentucky Wildcats star shared.
“From picking up a basketball to going to prep school to making the NBA— like, we’ve gone through every situation together. For both of us to be where we are is special. To compete against each other is even more special,” he continued.
SGA, though, emphasized that their family bond will have to be put on hold once they get between the lines of the basketball court. A tenacious 6’5″ “3-and-D” guard, Nickeil will surely get his shot at defending OKC’s shifty scorer. SGA said he’s embracing the challenge with open arms.
“I am trying to take his head off for sure. Completely,” he stressed.
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Related: “Graduations don’t win or lose games” – Vince Carter’s mom hit back at critics who said his graduation was the reason the Raptors lost Game 7 to Philly in 2001
Took the challenge head-on
Although the result was a lopsided one against the Nuggets, SGA admitted that he felt nervous heading to the do-or-die game. Aware of the immense effort he and his teammates had invested in creating an unforgettable campaign, he revealed the heavy burden he carried. One wrong move and the empire they had built could come crashing down.
“I was nervous, to be honest. Just knowing, like, what’s on the line. We’ve worked so hard — the whole, like, 82-game season. We’ve all worked so hard in the summer,” SGA, this season’s scoring champion, stated. “And to know, like, if you don’t bring your A-game, it could all be over with — all for nothing.”
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Instead of letting his nerves rattle him, the three-time All-Star revealed he used it as fuel to propel him on the court.
“I think that nervousness, like, motivated me and helped me play today. It helped me give my all on both ends of the floor. And I used it to my advantage,” he conveyed.
Related: “Smoked them like a fresh pack of Newport shorts” – Perkins reacts to Thunder’s blowout Game 7 win over the Nuggets
