Following an intense game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in a do-or-die game for making it to the postseason. The last Play-In game of the 2023 season took place between the Thunder and the Timberwolves on Friday night at the latter’s home court Target Center. However, things turned worrisome for OKC fans when the team’s star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a strong hit to his face in the third quarter of the game.

After all the chatter around the team’s inexperience throughout the season, the Thunder were just one win away from making it to the playoffs. However, the unexpected mid-game incident left fans fretting over their star player’s well-being.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander falls to the ground during a crucial game

Things were not looking good for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they progressed toward the end of the third quarter with a 10-point deficit and an injured teammate. OKC’s star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustained a nasty cut under his eye after getting elbowed by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert during a dunk attempt. Spectators witnessed SGA crumbling to the floor immediately after the hit as medical assistants rushed to his aid.

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The star PG’s abrupt exit due to the injury proved to be crucial as they had been trailing the Timberwolves since the first quarter. However, much to fans’ relief, SGA got back to the game soon after his injuries were tended to.

READ MORE – 24yo OKC Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins Michael Jordan in Rare Elite List

Although the 2023 All-Star was seen with a deep cut and a swollen eye, his presence on the court relieved some of the tensions that OKC fans had been feeling all night. SGA is currently averaging 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.

Rudy Gobert returns to the court

Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert faced a one-game suspension after he got into a mid-game altercation with teammate Kyle Anderson during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Following a heated argument during a short break, Gobert smacked his teammate on the chest which resulted in his abrupt exit from the game.

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Consequently, Gobert missed the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, where the team lost by 102-108. However, the three-time Defensive Player of The Year made his return to the court against the Thunder. He played a crucial role as he recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Moreover, his presence restricted the Thunder star backcourt of Shai and Josh Giddey to just 28 points. The Timberwolves will now face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the postseason. Who are you backing to win? Let us know in the comments.