The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 4-3 in their series to reach the next round of the playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came up with a brilliant performance in the deciding Game 7. He scored 35 points, managed three rebounds, and seven assists.
He has been phenomenal this season. In the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, five rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 76 appearances.
In the postseason, he has averaged 29 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 11 appearances. The 26-year-old has risen to the occasion under pressure.
He looks set to win the MVP award for this season. ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst believes the win against the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander's position as the MVP.
Windhorst said, "This was a historically relevant moment for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Not just for the season. He's going to likely win the MVP in a few days."
Windhorst continued, "Had he won the award and lost this game to Jokic and the Nuggets, no matter what anybody would've said, no matter what I would've tried to argue, talking common sense, people would've always slapped an asterix on that."
He continued, "So, knowing all of that, he came out and delivered a brilliant performance. 12 of 19 (FG), gave his team everything they needed. He would've been really taken down had he lost this game."
Windhorst concluded, "We owe it to him to appreciate and appraise how he delivered in this moment. If he wins an MVP trophy, everybody would know that he won it on the court and the ballot box."
Next up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder is a showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 takes place on May 19.
The Timberwolves ousted the LA Lakers in their previous series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might once again need to put his best foot forward to help his side progress.