Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a knack for finding the bottom of the net, even when launching the ball through the soaring Pelicans. As the young crew began the playoffs at Paycom Center, Shai was caught in a grand moment in the final seconds. In a similar pressure to succeed that OKC faces after their dominant season, SGA had the possession with less than 40 seconds left on the clock, and the game tied at 90.

Guarded by CJ McCollum, SGA drove out of a triple threat and put up a crafty euro to sink the floater home. Moreover, he solidified a trip to the charity stripe, as CJ was called for a shooting foul on Shai’s unbalanced shot. He came off sinking a mid-range in the earlier possession, triggered by a huge block by Chet Holmgren. As SGA converted the free throw (93-90), CJ McCollum replied with a baseline fadeaway of his own (93-92). However, as Chet sank a bucket off an intentional foul (94-92), OKC put the clamps on CJ during the final play, garnering their first playoff win as a young unit.

Given that the Oklahoma City Thunder is the youngest team in the playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch buckets speak volumes about his caliber and composure. Moreover, it also adds to his top-3 spot on the NBA’s clutch player of the year bracket. He has consistently made 58.1% of his shots during the final minutes, unfolding in 23 wins from 34 close games. Moreover, Shai continues pitting his game amongst the greats.

SGA recently ended a back-to-back season of mounting 30+ points per game while shooting over 50% from the field. Even though he still under-utilizes the three-point line unlike many top guards in the league, he has elevated his overall team-play and defense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC felt the pressure in Game 1

The 2023-24 playoffs are the first time Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the postseason as the leader of a squad. He played 6 games in 2018-19 before the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Thunder, where he logged another 7 playoff games alongside the leadership of Chris Paul.

With that, there were clear tears from the playoff intensity in today’s game. The same happened with the Pelicans, who entered the game without Zion Williamson. Both teams matched their 1st and 2nd quarter production. OKC shot 31.3% from the three, reducing from a 44% knot from their March 26 game against the Pels.

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However, before star players from both teams launched hail-mary shots in the final minutes, OKC managed to rely on their defense. Despite their diminished offense, the youngsters managed to hold the Pels to just 38.5% from the floor (28.2% from three); less than the Pelicans’ 41.1% (29% from three) from their regular season matchups.

Without a doubt, today’s game proved to be a test for both sides as it witnessed more than 40 lead changes. If anything, Brandon Ingram and Co. will look to trigger a comeback in Game 2 which is also at home. However, with an in-form SGA will that be possible? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.