Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Making a splash in the NBA playoffs, the Thunder emerged as the youngest team to ever clinch a No. 1 seed since seeding inception in 1984. Despite a three-year absence from the playoffs and undergoing a rebuild, the Thunder found themselves facing the New Orleans Pelicans, who clinched a spot through the play-in tournament with an impressive road record.
A majority of the Thunder lineup on Sunday night consisted of players making their playoff debut, showcasing some moments of inexperience in the final quarter. However, the team rallied when it mattered most. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s three-point play in the closing seconds of regulation put the Thunder on top, while rookies Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace made crucial defensive plays to secure a narrow 94-92 victory in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.
Gilgeous-Alexander praised the entire team for playing their roles effectively, emphasizing the collective effort that led to the victory. The Pelicans had multiple opportunities to score in the final minutes, but Holmgren’s pivotal block sealed the win for the Thunder.
Both teams struggled offensively early in the game, resulting in a closely contested matchup. With 20 lead changes, the game stood out as the most fiercely fought of the NBA playoff weekend.
The Thunder held the Pelicans to a low shooting percentage, showcasing their defensive prowess. Head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the need for improvement throughout the series, emphasizing the importance of learning from each game to elevate the team’s performance.
Looking ahead, the Thunder aims to build on their impressive start and maintain their momentum as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the postseason. As the series progresses, the team remains focused on growth and adaptation to secure success in the playoffs.