Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker turned Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals into a family showdown on Monday night in Minneapolis. The Oklahoma City Thunder won a thrilling 128-126 contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the real spotlight was on the two Canadian cousins who each delivered standout performances.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, handed out 10 assists, and pulled down nine rebounds, nearly completing a triple-double. His strong performance brought the Thunder one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker stepped up for the Timberwolves, scoring 23 points and tying for the team lead with six assists.
This game held special meaning for their family. Shai’s father, Vaughn Alexander, who also helped raise Nickeil, attended the game with a unique necklace. Hanging from the chain was a diamond-framed holder with two sports cards inside—one of each cousin in their Team Canada jerseys. The visual symbolized the shared journey that led them both to this moment on the NBA stage.
Growing up, the two cousins spent countless hours playing basketball together. Their bond went beyond the court, with their parents, Vaughn and Nicole Alexander, deeply involved in supporting their dreams. Game 4 brought all those years of hard work and dedication to life, as the cousins battled each other on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
Despite playing for opposing teams, both athletes showcased respect and determination. Gilgeous-Alexander played like the star he has become, controlling the pace and delivering key plays when needed. Alexander-Walker brought energy off the bench, outscoring several of his team’s starters, including Anthony Edwards, and taking on the tough task of defending his more celebrated cousin during crucial moments in the game.
This playoff matchup showed the growing influence of Canadian basketball talent in the NBA. Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker are part of a new generation of players putting Canada on the global basketball map. Their shared history and family connection gave this game an emotional layer rarely seen in professional sports.
The Thunder now lead the series 3-1 and are just one win away from clinching their spot in the NBA Finals. Game 5 will return to Oklahoma City, where home fans will expect another dominant showing from Gilgeous-Alexander. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, face a win-or-go-home situation and will rely heavily on young contributors like Alexander-Walker to stay in the fight.
This moment wasn’t just about stats or the scoreboard. It was about family, legacy, and the power of shared dreams. As the playoffs continue, fans will remember this game not just as a key victory for the Thunder but as a symbol of how far belief and hard work can take you.
