The 2025 NBA Finals have been a rollercoaster of momentum swings, highlight plays, and defining performances. At the center of it all stands Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the Oklahoma City Thunder’s stoic leader and franchise cornerstone. Following a disheartening blowout loss in Game 6 to the Indiana Pacers, SGA’s focus hasn’t wavered. With the series tied 3-3, and the first Game 7 of an NBA Finals since 2016 looming, the Thunder’s star guard is locked in, embracing the pressure and preparing to deliver when it matters most.
For six games, the Finals have showcased a chess match between two young, gritty teams refusing to back down. Indiana’s defensive schemes in Game 6 stifled the Thunder’s rhythm, holding OKC to their lowest scoring output of the postseason. SGA, who had been masterful throughout the playoffs, struggled to find his usual groove, finishing with just 18 points on inefficient shooting. But with the stakes at their peak, SGA isn’t retreating into disappointment — he’s channeling it into motivation.
“Game 6 was tough, no doubt,” SGA told reporters after the loss. “But this is what you play for. A Game 7 in the NBA Finals? You don’t get a bigger stage than that.”
SGA’s confidence is well earned. The 26-year-old has had a breakout postseason, averaging 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He’s been the engine powering OKC’s deep run, carving up defenses with his herky-jerky drives, silky midrange game, and clutch shot-making. His leadership — calm, measured, and relentlessly focused — has set the tone for a Thunder team making their first Finals appearance since 2012.
Despite the Game 6 blowout, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault remains steadfast in his trust in SGA.
“Shai’s the heartbeat of our team,” Daigneault said. “We don’t get here without him. He’s built for this moment. And we know he’ll come out swinging in Game 7.”
It’s a moment steeped in history. The last NBA Finals Game 7 took place in 2016, when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off an all-time upset against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. That game, etched into basketball lore, is often cited as one of the greatest ever played. Now, nearly a decade later, SGA and the Thunder have a chance to add a new chapter to that legacy.
Their opponents, the Indiana Pacers, are equally hungry. Led by Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and a breakout campaign from Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers have exceeded expectations throughout the postseason. They dominated Game 6 with suffocating defense, ball movement, and hot shooting, feeding off a raucous home crowd to force the decider.
SGA, however, has already turned the page.
“One bad game doesn’t define us,” he said. “We’ve responded all season long, and now we get to prove who we are one more time.”
Indeed, resilience has been the Thunder’s calling card. The youngest team in the league to reach the Finals since the 1991 Bulls, OKC blends youthful energy with tactical discipline. Chet Holmgren’s rim protection, Jalen Williams’ versatility, and Lu Dort’s perimeter defense have all played critical roles in getting the Thunder to this point. But when everything is on the line, it starts — and ends — with SGA.
Game 7s are about legacy. For Shai, it’s a chance to stake his claim among the league’s elite. He’s already a two-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection, but a title — especially one earned in a winner-take-all Finals showdown — would elevate his reputation to superstardom.
It’s also a test of mental fortitude. SGA’s demeanor has always been quiet, almost meditative. He’s not one for flashy declarations or off-court drama. His leadership comes through consistency, through poise, and through an unwavering belief in his preparation. After Game 6, he didn’t yell, didn’t sulk — he simply nodded, went back to work, and started visualizing how he can bounce back.
“Game 7 is about will,” he said. “Everyone’s tired, everyone’s scouted. It’s about who wants it more. I like our chances.”
The Thunder have the benefit of playing Game 7 at home in Paycom Center, where the Oklahoma City faithful have created one of the most electric atmospheres in the league. Fans are already lining up, ready to witness history. They believe in their team — and more importantly, they believe in their leader.
As tip-off approaches, the pressure intensifies. Every possession will matter. Every loose ball, every rotation, every decision could swing the outcome. And in the eye of that storm stands Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — calm, collected, and ready to rise.
He’s not just playing for a title. He’s playing for respect. For redemption after a tough Game 6. For the city of Oklahoma City. For every doubter who questioned whether he could lead a team to this stage.
Game 7 is coming. And SGA is ready.
The basketball world is watching.
