In a heart-stopping contest on Sunday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a playoff spot with a sensational 113-112 victory over the New York Knicks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the hero, sinking a go-ahead fallaway jumper with just 2.6 seconds left on the clock.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Thunder, securing their first playoff berth since 2020 when they faced off against the Houston Rockets in the first round.
With the game on the line, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clutch performance, receiving an inbounds pass from Josh Giddey before executing a mesmerizing dribble move to create separation from Miles McBride. With a defender in his face, Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sank a deep shot from the left corner, sending the Thunder bench and fans into a frenzy.
The drama didn’t end there, as the Knicks called a timeout to set up a final play. However, the Thunder’s stout defense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, thwarted Jalen Brunson’s last-second attempt, securing the hard-fought victory for Oklahoma City.
Josh Giddey showcased his versatility with a triple-double performance, tallying 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Jalen Williams also made significant contributions, leading all scorers with an impressive 33-point performance.
Despite a valiant effort from the Knicks, who were led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points, they ultimately fell short against the resilient Thunder.
The victory not only secures a playoff berth for the Thunder but also underscores their resilience and determination throughout the season. As they prepare for the postseason, the Thunder will look to build on this momentum and make a strong push for championship contention.
