Along with a stunning performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that amazing triple-overtime classic in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals was exhibit No. 1. He orchestrated, on that night anyway, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s scrappy 92-87 win over the Denver Nuggets. It was an emotional opening match on Sunday. Gilgeous-Alexander proved his mettle for the moment that every great performer finds when their team needs them most.
With just 2:22 remaining in the game, Gilgeous-Alexander made a crucial driving layup, extending the Thunder’s lead to 88-81 and effectively sealing the win. He finished strong with nine points in the fourth quarter. This fastbreak flurry propelled him to a game-high 25 points. He logged six assists, showing off his versatility and playmaking ability.
Entering the fourth quarter with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, Gilgeous-Alexander displayed a commanding presence on the court. His timely free throws at 5:28 into the quarter gave the Thunder a critical 79-76 lead. With 3:01 left, he assisted struggling Thunder forward Jalen Williams on a four-point play that further solidified their advantage at 86-80.
The young star’s ability to perform under pressure drew parallels to a baseball closer, as he took control in the final 5:30 minutes of the game. This performance came after a disappointing outing in Game 3, where he missed 15 of 22 shots during a loss to the Nuggets.
Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as a leader, both on and off the court. Given the talent surrounding him, the change has led many to believe he might be the leading candidate for the 2025 NBA MVP award — alongside superstars such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His knack for succeeding under high pressure has certainly not escaped attention.
Reflecting on his performance and experiences, Gilgeous-Alexander’s response was that “I want to live with my experiences. In the face of all that uncertainty, he boldly stepped into his role as leader. He announced, “With me being the head of the snake, I put on the robe when we win. His commitment to winning is clear, and in all honesty, he put the focus on winning a fifth championship first.
“That’s what it’s always been about for me. It’s not even about anything else. From the owner to the GM to the coach, everybody wants to win. And that’s all that matters.” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander’s natural athleticism runs deep in his family. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, was a track and field star for Antigua and Barbuda. This background has clearly impacted his exciting playing style and work rate.
Even his general approach to challenges speaks to a greater growth and resilient mindset. He cursed the difficulties he encountered and created in his former life. As he put it to The Undefeated, “I wasn’t making the shots I needed to make, but I never ran from the moment. He commented that even the best players go through tough times, and they have to keep working to get better.
“If I want to be that guy, I can’t run from it. So, I put that on myself. I put that on my shoulders. And I expect myself to step up in those situations.” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder’s success in this series can be largely credited to Gilgeous-Alexander’s determination and leadership. He understands the burden of accountability on his shoulders when it comes to wins and especially losses.
“We win, I help the team win. We lose, I’m probably the reason why we lose. I roll with the punches.” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
As the series progresses, the Thunder will rely heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to maintain focus and deliver results under pressure. His mental fortitude was most displayed by his commitment to living in the moment during games. He punctuates this with, “All I can do is live in the present.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s reflections on his mentality offer a glimpse into his commitment to being a better player and competitor every time he steps on the floor. For one, he confirms that all time is present, all moments are an opportunity, and embracing adversity is a key step to becoming a great player.
“For myself, more than anything, every occasion, every moment, the player that I want to be when it’s all said and done is a player that relishes that, embraces that and conquers that.” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Deep into the Thunder’s playoff run in this alternate reality, Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the stars of this Rookie class. His play will be key in determining the team’s fate. His mix of talent, drive, and passion for leadership represents the essence of succeeding in the most competitive of circumstances.
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