The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 on Sunday night to move up 1-0.
In a close game, the Thunder pulled away late in the fourth quarter and won Game 1 against the Pelicans without Zion Williamson. Williamson suffered a hamstring injury last week against New Orleans and will likely miss most of the series.
The Thunder held a narrow lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Pelicans came back late to tie the game. With less than a minute left, a huge block from rookie phenom Chet Holmgren and a clutch-and-one from MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave Oklahoma City a three-point cushion. Ta.
This clutch bucket helped decide the game, and Gilgeous-Alexander finished the night with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
After the heartbreaking victory, fans applauded the young Thunder team's victory as most of the players on the roster played in their first playoff game.
The West's top seed continues to defend its home court in Game 2, looking to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Sunday's game was a test with more than 40 lead changes, but Oklahoma City will look for an easier victory Wednesday.
If anything, Sunday's game gave the Thunder's young core a taste of playoff basketball, so they should be ready for whatever battles they will face in the remaining series.
Oklahoma City will face New Orleans in Game 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
