The two greatest words in sports: Game Seven.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are set to do exactly that on Sunday afternoon for a trip to the Western Conference Finals. On top of that, it is also a showdown between the two MVP frontrunners — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. In a win-or-go-home matchup, both teams know that it is now or never.
The Nuggets kept their season alive with a dominant Game 6 performance, delivering a 119-107 thrashing of the Thunder on their home court.
Denver’s supporting cast stepped up when it mattered most. Julian Strawther, who hadn’t seen the floor in Game 3, made an immediate impact with 15 points in just 20 minutes. Christian Braun also had his best playoff game to date, recording a career-high 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Not to mention, the heart of the Nuggets, Jokic, put on another MVP-caliber display with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 70% from the field.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Focused on Bagging Game 7 vs. the Denver Nuggets
The sense of urgency from Denver was clear from the tip-off. After a narrow Game 5 loss, they approached Game 6 as an elimination game should be approached — with relentless energy and bench contributions.
Despite the loss, OKC superstar SGA remained focused and resolute.
"It's do or die. It's what you live for."
SGA talks what's at stake in Sunday's Game 7 🍿 pic.twitter.com/wNTJGtj0t5
— NBA TV (@NBATV)
“It’s do or die. It’s what you live for. It’s what you’ve worked your whole life for. It’s either your dream continues or your dream ends,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “So you lay it all out there on the floor and live with the results. I’m excited for the opportunity for sure.”
OKC’s performance, however, seemed exclusive to SGA. The All-Star guard poured in 32 points on 68% shooting, leaving it all on the hardwood. Unfortunately, his efforts went largely unsupported. Jalen Williams, a crucial piece of the Thunder, could not find his rhythm and shot just 18% from the field and finished with six points in 38 minutes.
SGA’ determination, however, should be sign of trust and belief in his teammates as the city of OKC prepare to host the most crucial game of its season.
As the Thunder head back to Chesapeake Energy Arena for Game 7, it’ll need more than just SG to secure a win. Players like Williams must bounce back, and the team as a whole needs to rise to the occasion.
The Denver squad is looking to ride its Game 6 momentum and secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals while OKC hopes its intimidating home court presence will be a boost in its Game 7 outing. Whoever wins this series will have the luxury of facing Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 7 is scheduled on Sunday, May 18.
