The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their place in the postseason with a heart-stopping 113-112 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. The win elevates the Thunder’s record to an impressive 52-22, guaranteeing their spot in the playoffs.
The game was a thrilling showcase of basketball, with both teams battling fiercely until the final buzzer. Trailing by one point at 112-111 with just 4.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Thunder called a crucial timeout. Head coach Mark Daigneault drew up a decisive play for star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), who had been struggling throughout the game, hitting only seven of his 16 field goal attempts.
As the play unfolded, SGA was tightly guarded by the Knicks’ defensive specialist Miles McBride, known for his impressive defense against perimeter players. Rookie sensation Jalen Williams, who delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 33 points on 14-of-18 shooting, set a screen to free up SGA. However, McBride deftly navigated the screen, staying close to SGA as he moved toward the left baseline.
In a moment of high tension, SGA managed to create just enough space to release a mid-range jumper. The shot found the bottom of the net, pushing the Thunder ahead by one point with mere seconds left on the clock. The Knicks attempted a last-second desperation shot, but it rimmed out, sealing the victory for Oklahoma City.
“It was a tough game, but we trusted each other and made the plays when it mattered,” said Gilgeous-Alexander after the game. “Coach believed in me despite my struggles earlier, and I wanted to come through for the team.”
With this win, the Thunder not only clinch a playoff berth but also send a strong message to the rest of the league about their resilience and teamwork. As the postseason approaches, fans are eager to see how far this young and dynamic team can go.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on March 31: Thunder, Nuggets book playoff spots
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