Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gears Up for Epic NBA Finals Game 7: Are You Ready to Bring Your A-Game?

INDIANAPOLIS – After the Oklahoma City Thunder’s close call in the 2025 NBA Finals, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared his mindset as the team prepared for a crucial Game 7. “One game. Winner takes all. Just give it your best shot. No need to complicate things,” he told Andscape.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s MVP that year, and his team entered Game 6, needing one win to secure the franchise’s first championship in Oklahoma City. But the Indiana Pacers, led by a determined Tyrese Haliburton, fought back to win 108-91, evening the series at 3-3. Now, the Thunder and Pacers prepare for a decisive Game 7 on Sunday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

This Game 7 is notable, marking the first of its kind since LeBron James and the Cavaliers faced off against Stephen Curry’s Warriors in the unforgettable 2016 Finals.

Reflecting on the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander stated, “We didn’t play well tonight. But that gives us the chance to learn. We have one game to determine everything we’ve worked for. The better team will win.”

In Game 6, while Gilgeous-Alexander was held to a team-low 21 points, the Thunder struggled overall, facing another tough night with 21 turnovers and only hitting 8 of 30 three-pointers. He acknowledged the disappointing performance but expressed hope for the final game. “Watching the guys on the floor was impressive. They played hard, which was inspiring,” he said.

This Finals matchup features standout performances, including Haliburton’s game-winning shot in Game 1 and a strong rebound by Pacers’ All-Star Pascal Siakam in Game 6. Meanwhile, Thunder’s Jalen Williams had a remarkable 40 points in Game 5, proving to be a significant player throughout the Finals.

Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Finals in scoring, averaging 30.5 points per game. To put this in perspective, the highest scoring average in a Finals belongs to Rick Barry, who scored 36.3 points per game in 1968. A phenomenal performance from Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 7 could not only break this record but also secure a championship for the Thunder.

With the championship on the line, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that he doesn’t need to be a superhero. “I just need to be the best version of myself,” he said. “We all must bring our best to the table.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s past experiences in high-pressure games, including leading the University of Kentucky in the SEC championship and performing well in the Olympic games, will play a crucial role. Historically, home teams have won 15 out of 19 NBA Finals Game 7s, adding to the pressure but also giving the Thunder an edge.

As excitement builds for the big game, Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey is emblematic of the stakes. “One game for everything you’ve ever dreamed of,” he stated. “Win it, and you gain everything. Lose it, and you leave empty-handed. It’s that simple.”

As the basketball world watches this pivotal moment, the outcome will significantly impact Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy and the Thunder’s history.

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