Williams, Defence Help OKC Advance

Thunder rout Nuggets in Game 7 to reach West Finals, where they will face Wolves

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OKLAHOMA CITY - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 125-93 home win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of their National Basketball Association Western Conference semi-final series on May 18, but was quick to hail teammate Jalen Williams.

The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. Oklahoma City open the conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on May 20.

After scoring just six points in their May 15 Game 6 loss, Williams bounced back in a big way, pouring in 24 points in 10-of-17 shooting. The 26-year-old Canadian guard Gilgeous-Alexander was 12 of 19 from the floor with four assists, three steals and no turnovers.

"He (Williams) was amazing. He wouldn't have played the way he played today last year, I know that 100 per cent. To see him take that step forward is a really proud moment," said Gilgeous-Alexander.

The 24-year-old Williams emerged as the Thunder's second option last season, but failed to replicate his regular-season heights in the play-offs as the West's top seeds lost 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round.