National Basketball Association
New Orleans 113, Oklahoma City 110
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Officials:
#38 Michael Smith, #84 Jenna Schroeder, #58 Josh Tiven
Attendance:
13253
By Field Level Media
Devonte' Graham made one of the greatest game-winning buzzer-beaters in NBA history, banking in a 61-footer to give the New Orleans Pelicans a thrilling 113-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
Just moments before Graham's heave from three-quarters court, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nailed a deep 3-pointer of his own with 1.4 seconds left to tie the game. Gilgeous-Alexander's 30-footer came as he was avoiding a foul that would have sent him to the free-throw line for two shots.
However, Graham stole the show moments later, taking one dribble and launching from near the opposing 3-point arc. His miracle shot sent Oklahoma City to its third consecutive loss and 13th in 16 games.
According to ESPN, Graham's shot was the longest game-winning buzzer-beater in the NBA in the last 25 years. Additionally, ESPN noted that Wednesday's thriller marked the first game in the last 25 seasons to feature two tying or go-ahead baskets of at least 30 feet in the final five seconds of a game.
Before Graham's shot, Brandon Ingram (34 points) scored the Pelicans' previous 10 points. He tied the game with a layup and then put the visitors ahead with a steal and a dunk on the next possession.
Jonas Valancuinas had 19 points and 16 rebounds for New Orleans, while Graham added 15 points and eight assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points to lead the Thunder, making all nine of his free throws. In fact, Oklahoma City made all 19 of its free-throw tries -- 14 in the fourth quarter.
The Thunder bench scored 52 points, including 17 from Kenrich Williams and 16 by Mike Muscala. Williams tied a career high with five 3-pointers.
Through three quarters, the Pelicans held a 26-5 edge in free-throw attempts. But in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City got to the line repeatedly, including Muscala being fouled twice by Garrett Temple on 3-point tries during a 30-second stretch early in the fourth.
Going toe-to-toe with Ingram, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer with just under 30 seconds left to pull Oklahoma City within one. He then made a pair of free throws to keep the game within reach before drilling his fourth 3-pointer just before Graham's desperation shot stunned the home crowd.
--Field Level Media
Top Game Performances
New Orleans |
|
Oklahoma City |
Brandon Ingram 34 |
Scoring |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 33 |
Devonte' Graham 8 |
Assists |
Josh Giddey 7 |
Jonas Valanciunas 16 |
Rebounds |
Josh Giddey 9 |
Brandon Ingram 11 |
Free Throws Made |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9 |
Jonas Valanciunas 2 |
Steals |
Kenrich Williams 2 |
Willy Hernangomez 1 |
Blocks |
Derrick Favors 1 |
Team Stats Summary
Team |
Points |
FG% |
3PM-3PA |
FTM-FTA |
Assists |
Rebounds |
Blocks |
Steals |
Turnovers |
New Orleans
|
113 |
48.8 |
11-28 |
24-36 |
23 |
49 |
3 |
6 |
12 |
Oklahoma City
|
110 |
41.9 |
13-35 |
19-19 |
22 |
42 |
4 |
8 |
8 |
Upcoming Games
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Oklahoma City will play their next game at home against L.A. Clippers. The Thunder have a W/L % of .500 after a win and .211 after a loss.
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New Orleans will play their next game at home against Milwaukee. The Pelicans have a W/L % of .125 after a win and .364 after a loss.