With a remarkable mid-range shooting display, Gilgeous-Alexander scores a playoff career-high and helps Thunder tie the series, signaling a major comeback.
On May 14, 2024, with just over four minutes left in Game 4, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a game-changing play for the Oklahoma City Thunder. From a challenging position along the baseline, he managed to execute a jump shot under heavy defensive pressure, sending the ball in a perfect arc through the net to tie the game at 86-86. This critical shot signaled a potential turnaround for the Thunder.
The momentum continued as teammates Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort each landed three-pointers, while Williams amplified the lead with a dunk followed by a fast break layup. This sequence extended their lead to five points, culminating in a victory sealed by free throws, thus avoiding a 1-3 deficit and tying the series.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander's pivotal play: “Shai's shot from behind the backboard was a difficult one, and it truly ignited our comeback. His ability to trust his teammates and pass the ball in critical moments of the game demonstrates his unique leadership on the court.
Gilgeous-Alexander achieved a career playoff high of 34 points, along with a comprehensive stat line of 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, intensifying his performance in the fourth quarter with 8 consecutive points within just two minutes. Remarkably, excluding free throws, all 14 of his baskets in the game came from mid-range, with 12 successful shots between 10 to 20 feet. This proficiency places him third in playoff history since 1997 for mid-range scoring, trailing only behind Michael Jordan's 17 and LaMarcus Aldridge's 14.
Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander commented, “Navigating the opponent's defense and trusting my teammates has made this one of the most significant games of my career. It wasn’t a perfect night, but it was a victorious one.
He also touched on the team’s resilience, noting, "Our team has a track record of overcoming double-digit deficits, more so than any other team in the league. We’ve been in this position before, we know what it takes, and tonight, we executed our plan perfectly.
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2024/05/14, picture citation source Associated Press