NBA Playoff Opening Night: Thunder Beat Pelicans By Nail

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch performance led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling 94-92 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in their NBA playoff opener. Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off being named a finalist for the NBA Most Valuable Player award, showcased his prowess with 28 points, including the crucial go-ahead basket in the closing seconds of the game.

Despite the absence of star player Zion Williamson due to injury, the Pelicans put up a resilient fight, refusing to back down against the Western Conference top seeds. The matchup unfolded as a riveting battle, featuring an impressive 20 lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

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In contrast to the closely contested Thunder-Pelicans showdown, other playoff contenders made commanding statements in their opening games. The Boston Celtics secured a dominant 114-94 victory over the Miami Heat, propelled by Jayson Tatum’s first career playoff triple-double. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, without Giannis Antetokounmpo, cruised to a 109-94 win over the Indiana Pacers, fueled by Damian Lillard’s explosive first-half performance.

The Los Angeles Clippers also showcased their strength with a commanding 109-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden led the charge with 28 points, supported by Paul George and Ivica Zubac, who contributed significantly to the team’s early control of the game.

Reflecting on their performance, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged his team’s passive response to the Clippers’ physicality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining aggression from the outset. Harden echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Clippers’ deliberate strategy to establish dominance early in the game.

In Milwaukee, the Bucks demonstrated resilience in the absence of Antetokounmpo, relying on Lillard’s explosive scoring in the first half to build a substantial halftime lead. Although Lillard’s scoring pace slowed in the second half, his teammates stepped up to secure the victory and limit the Pacers’ offensive output.

Elsewhere, the Celtics capitalized on Tatum’s stellar performance to outpace the Heat, with six players scoring in double figures and a barrage of three-pointers keeping their opponents at bay.

As the NBA playoffs continue, each team aims to build on their opening performances and gain momentum in pursuit of the championship title. With thrilling matchups and standout performances, basketball fans can expect more high-stakes action in the games to come.