“He’s literally like my second brother. But I am trying to take his head off for sure” – SGA looks forward to going against his cousin in the Western Conference Finals

The Western Convention Finals is lastly set after the top-seeded Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder routed the Denver Nuggets, 125-93, in Sport 7 of their semifinal collection on Sunday afternoon.

OKC’s victory means they are going to be going through off in opposition to the well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves in what many count on to be a slam-bang affair between one crew that’s looking for redemption after falling quick within the WCF final season and one other that’s trying to make an announcement of their first journey to the convention finals since 2016.

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Whereas there are a lot of subplots on this showdown, one price wanting into is the conflict between Thunder famous person and the presumptive league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin, Timberwolves reserve guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

In keeping with SGA, he expects their match-up to be particular, given the whole lot they’ve needed to hurdle, from making names for themselves as Canadian hoopers to going through off for the proper to advance to the NBA Finals.

Put aside household issues for now

Shortly after dropping 35 factors on 12-of-19 capturing to get rid of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, the 6’6″ guard, widely regarded as a favorite for this season’s MVP, reflected on his close bond with Nickeil. SGA shared how meaningful it is to compete alongside someone who shares the same aspirations, calling it a “enjoyable” experience.

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“It’s going to be very enjoyable. It is laborious to even clarify. Like, if you know the way shut we’re — he is actually like my second brother. He is been by way of each stage of life with me,” the previous Kentucky Wildcats star shared.

“From choosing up a basketball to going to prep faculty to creating the NBA— like, we have gone by way of each scenario collectively. For each of us to be the place we’re is particular. To compete in opposition to one another is much more particular,” he continued.

SGA, though, emphasized that their family bond will have to be put on hold once they get between the lines of the basketball court. A tenacious 6’5″ “3-and-D” guard, Nickeil will certainly get his shot at defending OKC’s shifty scorer. SGA mentioned he is embracing the problem with open arms.

“I am trying to take his head off for sure. Completely,” he careworn.

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Took the problem head-on

Though the outcome was a lopsided one in opposition to the Nuggets, SGA admitted that he felt nervous heading to the do-or-die recreation. Conscious of the immense effort he and his teammates had invested in creating an unforgettable marketing campaign, he revealed the heavy burden he carried. One mistaken transfer and the empire that they had constructed may come crashing down.

“I was nervous, to be honest. Just knowing, like, what’s on the line. We’ve worked so hard — the whole, like, 82-game season. We’ve all worked so hard in the summer,” SGA, this season’s scoring champion, acknowledged. “And to know, like, if you don’t bring your A-game, it could all be over with — all for nothing.”

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As an alternative of letting his nerves rattle him, the three-time All-Star revealed he used it as gasoline to propel him on the court docket.

“I think that nervousness, like, motivated me and helped me play today. It helped me give my all on both ends of the floor. And I used it to my advantage,” he conveyed.

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