The first half was very competitive. The Knicks first took the advantage in the first quarter after a 9-0 (22-17), before giving up this lead in the second, against a solid Thunder team which, like New York, had had a lot of trouble scoring points but fought on the rebound to get second chances (46-50). It's in the second half that everything becomes more interesting.
The Knicks return from the locker room with a newfound address. They chained a 5/5 behind the arc to dismiss the Thunder. The fourth quarter is just around the corner and Tom Thibodeau's men have taken a ten-point lead (85-75).
Another defeat down to the wire…
The gap is quickly reduced with a 7-0 for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench, but his teammates provide, especially Jaylen Williams and Josh Gidey. The first scores several important baskets. But he misses free throws in money time and gives the Knicks a chance. Jalen Brunson takes advantage and scores – he thinks – the winning basket four seconds from the end.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander immediately responds with a mid-range shot to the head of Miles McBride! Brunson misses the last attempt and the Thunder wins 112-113 in New York.
What you must remember
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discreet but killer. Back on the field, the Canadian did not have the match of his life at Madison Square Garden. With 19 points at 7/16 shooting, he was even far from his standards. But if he's a great player, it's because he never completely came away from a match. He had a shot to take, and he didn't miss the target, while his shot was very well contested by Miles McBride.
– Jaylen Williams and Josh Gidey start the charge. If the Thunder reacted in the fourth quarter, it was thanks to these two. The first was excellent with 10 points at 100% shooting and 5 assists in this last act. When the second, very leggy recently, was just as impeccable with his penetrations and 12 points at 100% on the shoot too. The two players therefore scored 22 points at 9/9 shooting with 9 assists at the best of times.
– The Thunder qualified for the playoffs. This victory allows the franchise to be officially qualified for the playoffs. A first for Oklahoma City since 2020.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
