The Oklahoma City Thunder gutted out a 94-92 Game 1 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. The two-point win gives OKC a 1-0 lead in the first-round series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 28 points on 11-of-24 shooting, six rebounds and four assists. This included five points in the final 96 seconds to give the Thunder the close win. Chet Holmgren had 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans were led by CJ McCollum’s 20 points on 9-of-22 shooting. The veteran guard had a chance to either tie or take the lead in the final seconds but missed on a desperate 3-pointer. Trey Murphy III had 21 points and went 5-of-12 from 3.
Let’s look at some of the best photos from the Thunder’s two-point playoff win over the Pelicans.
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots as New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) defends during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots as New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) defends during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocks a shot by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the first quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) gestures to his bench after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots a free throw basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) reacts to an offensive foul call against him on a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Luguentz Dort (5) walk onto the court after a time out against the New Orleans Pelicans as mascot Rumble the Bison waves a flag during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) goes up for a basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives around New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shoes during the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes to the basket in front of New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) reaches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; An Oklahoma City Thunder fan tries to distract the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts to forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocking a shot by a New Orleans Pelicans player during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green looks at the score board during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) defends New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) as he moves the ball to the basket during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) gestures after scoring a three-point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Jaylen O’Conner celebrates with Oklahoma City Thunder spirit crew members after winning twenty thousand dollars during a half court shot during a time out during the second quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket around New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the first quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder huddles up before the start of their first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison waves a giant flag before the start of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder unveiled their 2023-2024 Northwest Division Champions banner before the start of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up before the start of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans Dennis Red, left, and Derrick Seys, right, cheer on the Oklahoma City Thunder against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans wait to enter for the 2024 NBA playoffs round one game one game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans wait to enter for the 2024 NBA playoffs round one game one game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans wait to enter for the 2024 NBA playoffs round one game one game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans dance during a pre game festival called Thunder Up in Scissortail Park for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Amanda Dunning and her son Ryder age 8 from Oklahoma City make game posters during a pre game festival called Thunder Up in Scissortail Park before their the 2024 NBA playoffs game. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Seats are covered in playoff t-shirts before a 2024 NBA playoffs game one round one game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; General view of The Paycom Center is covered in playoff t-shirts before a 2024 NBA playoffs game one round one game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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