Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ready to Take the Head Off His Cousin to Advance to NBA Finals

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back in challenging his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, after clinching a spot in the Western Conference Finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ready to Take the Head Off His Cousin to Advance to NBA Finals

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image via FirstSportz)

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday, securing their spot in the Western Conference finals. Once again, it was the Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who dropped in a match-winning performance to determine his sides qualification into the WCF Finals. However, SGA is making waves for another reason.

The biggest showdown in the Western Conference finals between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards is what most people are eagerly looking forward to. Given that both of these guys are megastars, the connection is intriguing.

But there’s more to this impending series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves than just one connection. Among them is the contest between Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SGA’s first cousin. SGA had a warning response to facing Alexander-Walker in the upcoming conference finals.

It’ll be very fun… It’s hard to even explain. If you know how close we are, he’s like my second brother. We’ve been through every stage of life together… It’s very special… But I am trying to take his head off for sure. Completely.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said in the postgame conference

Given that he would be playing against his cousin, Gilgeous-Alexander is looking forward to the battle. Alexander-Walker himself has had a successful career, although Gilgeous-Alexander is the more well-known star. He spent his first few seasons hopping around the league before settling with the Timberwolves.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander taking on Nickeil Alexander Walker
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Image via NBA)

Aside from this, the Thunder had been favored to win the West the whole season, which makes this series intriguing. They have had a difficult postseason, particularly after playing the Denver Nuggets in all seven games. Conversely, the Timberwolves have been dominating in the playoffs despite having a difficult regular season.

One cannot just rule out the Timberwolves in the Playoffs this season. They have been solid throughout the two rounds with their stars Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle jelling in time for their side.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes Thunder playoff history after Game 7 win

MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on another strong showing, finishing with 35 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. It appeared as though the Thunder’s star player had a nearly flawless game, as he had yet another outstanding performance.

In addition to nailing 3-of-4 three-pointers and shooting 63% from the floor, he finished with no turnovers. He did not stop there, as SGA went on to create some history for his side in the process. According to Polymarket Hoops, Gilgeous-Alexander set a Thunder playoff milestone for the most playoff games in which he scored 30 points or more and committed no turnovers.

Considering that former Thunder players Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant participated in significantly more playoff matches for Oklahoma City, it’s an amazing accomplishment. In just 28 games, Gilgeous-Alexander has reached the aforementioned milestone.

Chet Holmgren gives Shai Gilgeous-Alexander huge ‘MVP’ compliment

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance in the intense Game 7 environment showed that he can step up when it counts most, leading Oklahoma City’s offense through the pivotal match. Of course, this performance would bring out epic reactions: one came from his teammate Chet Holmgren just after the game ended.

This was no ordinary compliment. As SGA was fulfilling his usual media duties, Holmgren chimed in with his take on his teammate.

You know who this is? The MVP. 

Chet Holmgren said

Gilgeous-Alexander smiled knowingly in response to his teammate’s remark, as if he understood the moment’s importance and possibly agreed with the sentiment. With SGA getting a clear upper hand on Nikola Jokic and his Nuggets side, the ‘MVP pendulum‘ might have well and truly swung in SGA’s side.

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