With the games heating up, the Oklahoma City Thunder would meet the Minnesota Timberwolves, and all eyes will be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
As per the current updates, Gilgeous-Alexander is not listed as having any physical difficulties and will play against the Timberwolves.
While he is healthy now and would lead the OKC against Minnesota, he has the MVP title almost promised.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now officially the best player in the world. pic.twitter.com/kXKbXLVkJL
— Thunder Run The West (@DubsThunder) May 18, 2025
The Thunder pulled off an exciting victory over the Nuggets in their playoff series, winning a nail-biting Game 7 with a score of 4-3. Shai was nothing short of spectacular in that deciding game.
He clocked 35 points, along with three rebounds and seven assists.
Additionally, this season has truly been phenomenal for Gilgeous-Alexander. He averaged an impressive 32.7 points, five rebounds, and 6.4 assists during the regular season, playing in 76 games.
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And in the playoffs, he’s kept it going strong, averaging 29 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 11 games. It’s clear he thrives under pressure, which makes for some thrilling basketball.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Excited To Face His Cousin
While the Thunder have secured a spot in the Western Conference finals with a 125–93 win in Game 7, the next game will be interesting for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
As they take on the Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander faces off against his cousin, Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Gilgeous-Alexander also expressed his excitement about the matchup, describing it as “very fun” to face his ‘second brother’ on the other side.
“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’m gonna try to take his head off for sure,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
SGA on playing against his cousin NAW in the WCF:
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) May 18, 2025
“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’m gonna try to take his head off for sure.”
Despite the familial bond, Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that he intends to compete fiercely. Both players have roots in the Toronto area and have a history as teammates at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy.
Their paths diverged during college, with Gilgeous-Alexander attending Kentucky and Alexander-Walker attending Virginia Tech. The two were both drafted into the NBA, with Gilgeous-Alexander being the 11th overall pick in 2018 and Alexander-Walker following as the 17th pick in 2019.
