Gilgeous-Alexander scores 28 points for narrow 94-92 win vs Pelicans

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 94-92 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance saw him scoring 28 points, including crucial baskets down the stretch that turned the tide in favor of the Thunder.

In a tense fourth quarter, the Thunder endured a dry spell of over five minutes without a field goal, allowing the Pelicans to seize a 90-88 lead. However, Gilgeous-Alexander rose to the occasion, knotting the game with a pull-up jumper and then converting a tough floater while drawing a foul. His ensuing free throw gave the Thunder a pivotal 93-90 advantage with just 32.5 seconds remaining.

With the Pelicans trailing by two points and 14 seconds left on the clock, they had an opportunity to either tie or take the lead. However, Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace stepped up defensively, applying pressure on CJ McCollum and preventing him from finding an open look. McCollum’s potential game-winner fell short, securing the Thunder’s narrow victory.

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Trey Murphy III led the scoring for New Orleans with 21 points, supported by McCollum’s 20-point effort and Jonas Valanciunas’ double-double performance of 13 points and 20 rebounds. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points for the Thunder, playing a crucial role in their Game 1 triumph.