Imagine you grow up together, lying down on the bed and giggling about your future basketball ambitions. Years later, you face each other for the Western Conference Finals in one of the season’s biggest games. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, it’s a dream come true.
The Oklahoma City Thunder came victorious against the Denver Nuggets to set up a high-octane clash against the Timberwolves. As usual, SGA had 35 points and helped the team to overcome Nikola Jokić and Co.
Henceforth, questions about facing his brother surfaced as Gilgeous-Alexander explained his mindset while going head-to-head against his ‘second’ brother.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Details Intriguing Battle With His ‘Second’ Brother
Like Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker came into the NBA during the 2019 NBA Draft. He finally found his footing in Minnesota, where he comes off the bench to provide crucial points for the Timberwolves.
When Anthony Edwards goes for a rest, Alexander-Walker picks up the scraps and continues to give the Timberwolves a secondary option from the bench. Hence, the two brothers will compete against each other as Gilgeous-Alexander detailed the fascinating matchup.
In the post-game presser, Gilgeous-Alexander cited, “It’s hard even to explain, right? 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. Picking up a basketball, going to prep school, and making it in the NBA.”
“He’s literally like my second brother… but I am trying to take his head off for sure.” 😂
SGA on facing his cousin and Timberwolf Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the WCF 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/2lDaNywenq
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 18, 2025
SGA’s mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, was a track star during the 1992 Summer Olympics for Antigua and Barbuda. His father, Vaughn Alexander, is the brother of Nicole Alexander, Nickiel’s mother. So, their roots go deep.
After spending much time together, Gilgeous-Alexander noted how it’s a war on the court and love off it.
He continued, “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. But I am trying to take his head off for sure.”
Brother vs. Brother: Who Wins the Family Affair?
Both players play specific roles for the team. Although Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the best and the team’s leader, the Timberwolves fans can’t ignore Alexander-Walker’s importance.
In the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, he had two solid outings in Game 2 and Game 4. In Game 2, he scored 20 points, shooting 53.8% from the floor, and knocked down four three-pointers.
Likewise, in Game 4, Alexander-Walker scored 13 points, shooting a perfect 100.0% from the floor. If you look at SGA, he’s on another level.
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The front runner for the MVP averages 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. He gets OKC going, and Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards could be a stunning battle in the finals.
Moreover, we could get Nickeil-Alexander Walker guarding his brother SGA during the series. Get your popcorn ready because this Western Conference Finals will probably raise the bar.
