Game one sees the top-seeded Thunder defeat the Pelicans 94-92 behind 28 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Sunday night, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 thanks to 28 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which included the game-winning shot in the closing seconds.

In the final seconds, CJ McCollum of New Orleans missed an off-balance 3-pointer, and the Thunder prevailed to win their first postseason game at home since 2019.

The Thunder will host Game 2 on Wednesday night. Jalen Williams scored 19 points, while Chet Holmgren added 15 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

For the Pelicans, McCollum scored 20 points and Trey Murphy III scored 21. With a strained left hamstring, Zion Williamson—New Orleans’ top scorer during the regular season—sat out the game.

With 32.5 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander broke a 90-all tie with an off-balance jumper; however, he was fouled during the play. As the assembly exclaims, “M-V-P!” With the free throw, Gilgeous-Alexander gave Oklahoma City a 93-90 lead.

It was 93-92 after McCollum’s mid-range jumper.

Fourteen seconds remained when Holmgren was fouled. He sank the second free throw after missing the first, putting the Thunder up 94-92 and setting up McCollum’s last opportunity.