SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander converted a marginal basket as Oklahoma City Thunder survived New Orleans Pelicans, 94-92, in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference first round series on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
With the score tied at 90-all, Gilgeous-Alexander converted a three-point play to give the Thunder a 93-90 lead, but Pelicans’ CJ McCollum responded with a two-pointer to cut the deficit to 92-93.
Chet Holmgren increased the Thunderâs lead to 94-92 with a split free throw, but McCollum missed on his game-winning three-point attempt at the final buzzer.
Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the candidates for the 2023-2024 NBA Season MVP, led the way for the Thunder with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Jalen Williams chipped in 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Holmgren had a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds to go with five blocks for OKC.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 21 points, McCollum contributed 20 markers, Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double of 13 points and 20 rebounds, and Brandom Ingram tallied 12 markers.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks overcame the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to score a 109-94 triumph over Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first round series at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Damian Lillard caught fire with 35 points, including six three-point conversions, Khris Middleton added 23 markers, while Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez had 15 and 11, respectively, for the Bucks.
Pascal Siakam tallied 36 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Pacers, Myles Turner added 17 markers, while TJ McConnell contributed 10 markers in the loss.
In other results, Boston Celtics (1-0) kicked off their series with a dominant 114-94 win over Miami Heat (0-1), while Los Angeles Clippers (1-0) prevailed over Dallas Mavericks (0-1), 109-97./PN
BOX SCORE:
OKLAHOMA CITY 94 — Gilgeous-Alexander 28, Ja. Williams 19, Holmgren 15, Dort 6, Wiggins 6, Jay. Williams 6, Joe 5, Wallace 5, Giddey 2, K. Williams 2, Hayward 0.
NEW ORLEANS 92 — Murphy 21, McCollum 20, Valanciunas 13, Ingram 12, Jones 8, Nance 8, Alvarado 5, Marshall 5, Daniels 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 43-43, 74-68, 94-92.
