Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Thunder Make NBA Playoffs For First Time Since 2020
Madison Square Gardens saw the Canadian player win the game for his team
At Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a game-winning performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder over the New York Knicks 112-113.
His game-winning basket sealed a vital Thunder victory with just 2.6 seconds remaining on the clock before the buzzer.
More significantly, the win guarantees Oklahoma’s spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. In other words, Oklahoma has taken back the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Denver Nuggets had just defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Thunder knew that a loss would mean they would lose their hold on first place. With that pressure, they went into the game in New York. In contrast, the Cavs’ loss in Denver gave the Knicks a chance to end the day third in the East.
To abbreviate his lengthy name, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also known as Shai or SGA, insisted on shifting the odds in the visitors’ advantage.
Despite playing center for the last play, the Canadian finished with 19 points, although it’s safe to say he wasn’t even playing at his best. He was surpassed by Jalen Williams, who finished with 33 points and 8 assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is outmatched by one player.
Josh Giddey was particularly hot, scoring 16 points, grabbing 13 boards, and dishing out 12 assists for his third career triple-double. After the Thunder went on a 27-38 run to take the lead, the Australian scored 12 points in the final quarter to put the team ahead.
It’s interesting that Giddey has scored three triple-doubles in his career against the same team, hurting the Knicks badly, indicating that he obviously enjoys playing there.
The most well-known arena worldwide is Madison. Giddey remarked after his outstanding performance, “It is special to play here.”
Jalen Brunson scored thirty points for the Knicks, who are still fourth in the East, but he missed the game-winning jumper. Of course, he made a basket right before Shai’s to make it 112-111.
