Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 94-92 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. This victory marks the Thunder’s first playoff win since 2020.
Key Moments of the Game
- Gilgeous-Alexander made crucial baskets in the final minutes to secure the win for Oklahoma City.
- In a tense fourth quarter, the Thunder faced a five-plus minute scoring drought before Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics.
- Despite a late surge from the Pelicans, the Thunder’s defensive efforts sealed the victory.
Player Performances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28-point performance was instrumental in the Thunder’s success, with support from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who made significant contributions in their postseason debuts.
Post-Game Reactions
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s resilience and defensive efforts, highlighting their grit in crucial moments.
New Orleans coach Willie Green acknowledged his team’s solid defense but emphasized the need to improve their shooting accuracy for future games.
Despite missing Zion Williamson due to injury, the Pelicans put up a strong fight throughout the game, with standout performances from Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas.
