Thunder Survive Late To Beat New Orleans in Game One

In a game with 13 ties and 20 lead changes, the Oklahoma City Thunder survived an upset bid to beat New Orleans 94-92 in Game 1 of their first round NBA Playoffs series on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a tough off-balance shot and drew a foul with 32 seconds left, converting a three-point play to put the Thunder up 93-90.

SGA had 28 points to lead all scorers.

New Orleans had a chance to win the game, but C.J. McCollum missed a three-pointer at the buzzer that could have won it.

McCollum had 20 points, and Trey Murphy had 21 points to lead the Pelicans.

Neither team shot well, with OKC shooting 44 percent, and the Pelicans 39 percent.

Neither team led by more than 10 points, with 10 the Thunder's biggest lead and the Pelicans' biggest lead was seven.

The Thunder went on an 11-0 run in the third quarter to take a 9-point lead, but the Pelicans responded with a 9-0 run.

OKC struggled offensively late in the game, with SGA committing three straight turnovers at one point, but he redeemed himself with the go-ahead shot.

Jalen Williams had 19 points, and Chet Holmgren added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Thunder are now 10-2 in Game 1 of the playoffs at home, and 7-0 when it's in the first round.

Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City at 8:30 pm.