Midway through the third quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder led the New Orleans Pelicans by 20 points.
With the game seemingly in hand, OKC let its foot off the gas, and behind lethal offense from C.J. McCollum and Zion Williamson, NOLA roared back, eventually taking the lead in the final two minutes.
OKC had a response of its own, going on a late 12-0 run to sneak out a 119-112 win over a good Pelicans team, and per usual, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at the heart of it.
Gilgeous-Alexander only scored 24 points, but he was huge when it mattered most. First, with OKC trailing by five, SGA perfectly tipped an offensive rebound to Jalen Williams, who put in a layup to cut it to three. Then, he wiggled loose from Herb Jones for a step-back three and drained it, tying the game at 112. The next possession, SGA came up with a massive steal, and — after getting away with a carry — fired the ball to the wing, where Lu Dort canned a three to give OKC the lead, one it would never give back.
Gilgeous-Alexander is not at 100%. Anyone who has watched OKC over the past few seasons knows that SGA has looked hobbled over the past few games. His scoring numbers have reflected it, as the typical automatic 30 points we are used to saying from OKC’s star have been mysteriously absent over the last six games, outside of one time against Utah.
Gilgeous-Alexander, and OKC, are learning to go through the rigors of the NBA season as a contender for the first time. Games off can’t be afforded; and even if you are hurting, you have to push through.
One of the biggest reasons OKC has been able to push through SGA’s rough patch has been Josh Giddey.
Giddey, the most maligned member of the Thunder roster, has been terrific over the 12 games, scoring at least 15 points in six of those twelve games. Giddey was particularly effective against New Orleans. The third-year Aussie point guard etched a new career high in three-pointers, knocking down five. His outside stroke propelled Giddey to 25 points, all while ripping down 9 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists.
The performance comes just one game after Giddey hit four threes, and continues the trend of Giddey shooting above 50% from three in the month of March. Giddey’s breakthrough couldn’t have come at a better time for OKC. With SGA slightly banged up, OKC has needed someone to pick up a little slack, and Giddey has done that and then some.
Giddey has had high-level flashes plenty of times in his NBA career, but for him to be doing it within the structure of the team has been a positive development.
Against New Orleans, players up and down the roster made plays at one time or another, but it is undeniable that SGA and Giddey were the difference.
