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In case fans needed a reminder as to why he's now a two-time league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided one early in his biggest game of the season on Saturday night.
After struggling in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs, managing just 15 points, the Thunder star came out firing in Game 7 — following a strong start from San Antonio, Gilgeous-Alexander came alive.
The efficient finishing and mid-range shooting that Oklahoma City has grown accustomed to began to shine, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder right back in it to keep it a one-possession game by halftime.
Here's a look at Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Game 7 stats vs. Spurs
Halftime score: Spurs 56, Thunder 53
- Points: 19
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 5
- Blocks: 1
- Steals: 0
- FG: 8-11
- 3PT: 1-2
- FT: 2-4
Much has been made by fans, media members and more during the 2026 NBA Playoffs about Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, where he's an elite shooter. But early in Game 7, he reminded any critics why he's an immense offensive threat in the first place.
In the first half alone against the Spurs, Gilgeous-Alexander went for 19 points on 72.7% shooting from the floor, only taking four trips to the line and making two of those shots. No matter who San Antonio threw on him defensively, Gilgeous-Alexander was knocking down jumpers, looking like the best version of his MVP self.
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2026In the first quarter, the Spurs looked like they had the answers to slow the Thunder. But continuing a trend from throughout the series, OKC struck back thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander, who ignited the home crowd.
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2026MORE: Full foul, free-throw stats from Thunder vs. Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander WCF stats
- PPG: 24.3
- RPG: 2.7
- APG: 8.8
- SPG: 1.7
- BPG: 0.8
- FG%: 37.9%
- 3PT%: 26.1%
- FT%: 96.3%
If there's one team that has found defensive answers for Gilgeous-Alexander this NBA season, it's the Spurs. Between Victor Wembanyama's rim presence, plus the perimeter defense of Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson and De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio has been able to slow the now-two-time MVP in both the regular season and postseason.
In fact, according to the Real App, Gilgeous-Alexander's drop from averaging 31.1 points per game in the regular season, to 24.3 in the conference finals through six games, would be the largest points per game drop-off by an MVP guard ever.
After being incredibly efficient from all over the floor in the regular season and the first two rounds of the postseason, following his 15-point Game 6 against the Spurs, Gilgeous-Alexander was shooting just 37.9% from the floor in the series.
With his hot start in Game 7, however, he's seemed to find new answers for the Spurs' defense.
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