When the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves tipped off in the Western Conference Finals, it wasn’t just about a shot at the NBA Finals—it was a family affair. Cousins Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, born just days apart and raised more like brothers than relatives, now find themselves on opposite sides of one of basketball’s biggest stages.
Shai, the newly crowned NBA MVP, leads the Thunder and is just one win away from the Finals, while Nickeil has become a key contributor for the Timberwolves, earning heavy minutes and even taking on the challenge of guarding his superstar cousin in crucial moments Their bond runs deep: from countless sleepovers and shared high school championships to their families exchanging playful texts before the series—Nickeil’s mom famously declared, “Oh, it’s war now” to Shai’s dad.
On the court, the matchup is intense and emotional. Both players have openly acknowledged the unique mix of pride and rivalry that comes with facing off at this level, with Shai describing Nickeil as his “second brother” As Game approaches with OKC holding a 3-1 lead, all eyes are on whether family bragging rights—and a Finals berth—will go to Shai or Nickeil. The outcome remains uncertain, but for the Alexander family, this moment is already unforgettable.
