After the Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff victory over the Denver Nuggets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared a lighthearted Instagram post referencing a viral photo in which he was seen smiling. Following the Thunder's 113-104 loss in Game 3, which placed them in a 2-1 series deficit, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the mixed reactions from fans.

During a post-game press conference, he addressed the taunts he received, saying, "Some fans were taunting me. I know how the game goes; I know how life is. It's easy to taunt when you're up, and I don't ever want to show them that I'm defeated or mad or anything like that. Nothing's written. The series is not over, and we have a lot to be optimistic about."

Throughout the series, the three-time All-Star showcased his talent, averaging 30.8 points and 5.8 assists across the final four games. His standout performance culminated in a dominant 35-point game during the Thunder's decisive 125-93 victory in Game 7. This triumph marked Oklahoma City's first advance to the Western Conference Finals since 2016, where they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves for a chance to compete in the NBA Finals.