On an occasion in which everything was raised — from a 2023-24 Northwest Division title banner, to the stakes and pressures of postseason basketball — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, predictably, elected to make his game and approach a part of that list. Mere hours removed from being named as a finalist for the league’s Most Valuable Player Award, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar introduced the New Orleans Pelicans to a few reasons why, with the game deadlocked into a tie with under a minute remaining. Stationed calmly along the top of the key in a triple threat position, the two-time All-Star proves decisive in his move, charging into the heart of the Pelicans’ defense with a swift gather step before balancing himself into a hanging, highly-contested and-one bucket. One of just three players to score at 100+ clutch points on at least 50 percent shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander added to his late-game legend in Game One, connecting on a pair of buckets over the game’s final two minutes to guide the Thunder to a thrilling series-opening victory on April 21, 2024. Tremendous throughout, Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists. · Apr 22, 2024