Shai Gilgleous-Alexander came up with the goods to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the New York Knicks 112-113 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
With just 2.6 seconds left on the clocker before the buzzer, he came up with the game-winning basket to secure a crucial victory for the Thunder.
The victory means that Oklahoma have regained first place in the Western Conference, but even more importantly, it has secured the their place in the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The Thunder went into the clash in New York with the pressure of knowing that the Denver Nuggets had beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers shortly before, and they would lose their grip on first place if they lost. On the other hand, the Knicks could have finished finish the day third in the East thanks to the Cavs’ defeat in Denver.
But Gilgeous-Alexander – informally known as Shai or SGA to shorten his long name – insisted on tipping the balance in favor of the visitors.
The Canadian finished with 19 points, although it is fair to say he wasn’t even at his best level, despite being the center figure for the final play. Jalen Williams, who scored 33 points and registered eight assists, above him.
One player shines brighter than Shai
Josh Giddey, who recorded the third triple-double of his career with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, was also on fire. 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 is curious that Giddey‘s three triple-doubles in his career have all come against the same team, inflicting huge damage on the Knicks, and it is clearly a venue Giddey enjoys.
“Madison is the most famous arena in the world. It is special to play here,” Giddey said after his great game.
As for the Knicks, who remain fourth in the East, Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, but missed the last shot that could have changed the face of the game. Of course, he scored a basket to make it 112-111, just before Shai’s basket.