Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the media following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 119-107 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 6, providing candid insight into the team’s mindset heading into a decisive Game 7.
Despite scoring 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that Oklahoma City’s sluggish start proved costly.
“They were just better to start the game and then better the whole second half,” he said. “To win a game on the road, especially, you have to start good. We didn’t do so.”
Jamal Murray, listed as questionable earlier in the day due to illness, led Denver’s opening burst, and Gilgeous-Alexander said he never doubted the Nuggets guard would play.
“I knew he was going to play,” he said. “Obviously, a do-or-die situation for them, and they came out with that sense of urgency and jumped on us right away.”
The Thunder trailed 31-28 after the first quarter and never regained control, with the Nuggets widening the margin after halftime.
Oklahoma City, which finished the regular season 68-14, now faces elimination for the first time this postseason.
“We always say to win on the road, you have to win that first quarter,” Gilgeous-Alexander reiterated. “We didn’t do that, and it put us in a hole.”
He also weighed in on Jalen Williams’ off-night, noting the second-year forward’s shooting struggles.
“Tonight wasn’t his night, clearly,” he said. “But he has an opportunity next game—nobody remembers, nobody cares. And he doesn’t neither.”
Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a calm focus when asked about the mental approach for Game 7.
“Do or die. It’s what you live for,” he said. “It’s either your dream continues or your dream ends. So you lay it all out there on the floor and live with the results.”
He credited Jaylin Williams for his postseason contributions, highlighting the forward’s leadership and efficiency.
“He just affects winning at a high level,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You can never have too many guys like that in your locker room.”
The Thunder star, who experienced a Game 7 with the Clippers in 2019, noted the importance of embracing the moment.
“It’s going to be the highest intensity basketball that you ever play,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s still just basketball.”
He also admitted the team had defensive lapses early, pointing to a specific breakdown in coverage involving Christian Braun.
“That tone was kind of set early,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Making sure that we control what we can control to start the game next game will be big for us.”
With the series tied 3-3, Oklahoma City returns home to Paycom Center on Sunday for Game 7, where they will attempt to extend their season.
