NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City Thunder to playoff sweep
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams scored 24 points each, with Gilgeous-Alexander adding 10 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a first-round playoff sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans with a 97-89 victory.
Key Highlights
- Williams contributed eight points during a crucial 10-0 fourth-quarter run.
- Oklahoma City advances to face either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.
- Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey scored 14 points each, while Luguentz Dort added 11 for the Thunder.
Player Performances
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 20 points, supported by Jonas Valanciunas with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Naji Marshall and Herb Jones scored 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Post-game Reactions
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised the team’s energy, focus, and togetherness, highlighting their strong defensive performance throughout the series. Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged offensive struggles but commended the team’s effort and improvement over the season.
Oklahoma City shot 42.7% from the field, while limiting New Orleans to 37.6% shooting. The Thunder made 12 of 40 three-point attempts, compared to the Pelicans’ 8 of 34.
Game Highlights
In a closely contested game, there were 11 lead changes and seven ties in the third quarter. The Thunder secured the lead in the fourth quarter with key plays from Holmgren, Giddey, and Gilgeous-Alexander.
Williams’ scoring spree in the final minutes sealed the victory for Oklahoma City, advancing them to the next round of the playoffs.
