Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander says the real key is his trust in Jalen Williams

In the NBA, not every story is about championships or shiny trophies. Some stories grow in silence - built on confidence, respect, and shared effort. In Oklahoma City, this story belongs to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

While others pursue the spotlight, these two built something stable. No drama. No headlines. Just a strong bond that’s helping them rise and shaping the Thunder’s future, one game at a time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams share something bigger than basketball

On a hot afternoon, inside Thunder's training facilities, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat for a quick chat with the media. What he said wasn’t loud. It wasn’t hype. It was honest.“We just trust each other,” he said in a short video posted by the official NBA account.

“We have the same mindset. A winning one.”Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, has played with Jalen Williams since 2022. Their chemistry goes past practice and games. “We’re naturally really good friends,” he said. “We talk all the time, on and off the court. That helps.”

They’ve grown by watching, feeling and learning together. “Whether I see something or he does, whether it’s in the moment or after,” Shai said, “we use it to grow.”

Fans see passes. Coaches see teamwork. But what’s behind it is hours of trust. Days spent off-court, building something solid. Two players, same mission.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads thunder into Game 6 with Jalen Williams by his side

Now it’s real. On Wednesday, June 19, the Oklahoma City Thunder face Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against The Dallas Mavericks.The game takes place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with tip-off set for 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The Thunder are down in the series, 3-2.

A win means the battle goes to Game 7. A loss? Their season stops right there.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led from the front with over 27 points per game. But this run? It’s not just him. Williams has been right there. Every minute, every bucket, every stop.When asked about Game 6, Shai didn’t go long. “We stay ready,” he said. “We’re locked in.”Tomorrow night, it’s more than just a game. It’s a test of trust, chemistry, and calm.Something built between two young stars, far from the cameras, is now about to play out in front of the world.Also Read: Lebron James pushes back on NBA’s 'ring culture,' says team titles shouldn’t define individual greatness