An accurate blow with 2.6 seconds left in Shai Gilgleous-Alexander allowed the Oklahoma City Thunder assault the Madison Square Garden, and defeat the Knicks, 112-113. The victory means that OKC regains first place in the West, but even more so, mathematically qualifies the Thunder for the Playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The Thunder faced the clash in New York with the pressure of knowing that the Nuggets had beaten Cleveland shortly before and that they would usurp their first place if they lost. On the other hand, the Knicks could finish the day third in the East thanks to the Cavs’ defeat in Denver. Shai insisted on tipping the balance in favor of visitors.
The Canadian player finished with 19 points in a series of 7 of 16 shooting. He wasn’t even the best despite being the protagonist for the final play. Above him in benefits he was Jalen Williams, who had 33 points and 8 assistsand above all Josh Giddey, who recorded the third triple-double of his career with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. The Australian scored 12 points in the last quarter, when a 27-38 run put the Thunder in a position to win the game.
It’s curious that all three of Giddey’s TDs in his career have had the same victim, the Knicks: “The Madison is the most famous pavilion in the world. It’s special to play here“said Giddey after his great game.
In the Knicks, who remain fourth in the East, JAlen Brunson scored 30 points, but missed the last shot that could have changed the fortunes of the game. Of course, he scored a basket to make it 112-111, just before Shai’s basket. In New York they are very concerned about whether Randley and Anunobi will be able to recover in time for the Playoffs. Feelings are very pessimistic about it in the Big Apple.
2024-04-01 08:44:15
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