Eleven days ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made an improbable, off-balance 37-foot shot for Oklahoma City that appeared to send a game vs. New Orleans to overtime, but Devonte’ Graham’s historic 61-footer topped that moments later. On Sunday, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder made sure the Pelicans wouldn’t be close enough in crunch time to pull off any miraculous shot-making.
After New Orleans pulled within a possession in the fourth quarter, OKC went on a run to extend its lead to double digits with less than four minutes to go. Gilgeous-Alexander sank a stepback jumper to create a three-possession edge in the final minute, part of his 31-point night.