Shai Gilgeous-Alexander beats buzzer, Clippers from deep
A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) in the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), importance (playoff game or garden-variety night in November?) and celebration. Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, named for the patron saint of last-second answered prayers.
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This time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got the last laugh.
On Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander thought he had the game-winner against the Hornets before Devonte’ Graham stunned everyone in Oklahoma City with an epic 61-foot heave.
But Saturday night, SGA didn’t leave any doubt (or time on the clock), drilling a 3-pointer from the right wing to give the Thunder the 104-103 win over the Clippers. It was Gilgeous-Alexander’s second 3-pointer of the night and the first game-winning buzzer-beater of his career.
DIFFICULTY: Gilgeous-Alexander got a clear look, shaking off the Clippers’ Nicolas Batum with a big stepback move to his right that gave him a clean look from 27 feet. Thanks to his separation, Gilgeous-Alexander earned himself a wide-open chance he wasn’t about to miss.
GAME SITUATION: The Thunder entered Saturday’s contest on a 3-game losing streak and had lost 13 of their last 16, including the heartbreaker on Wednesday. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault had said before the game the recent struggles would work to bring the team together: “One of the foundational things we talk about is growing through experience.”
After leading almost the entire 4th quarter, the Thunder allowed the short-handed Clippers to grab a 2-point lead late and LA could have iced it with Justise Winslow at the line in the final seconds. Winslow missed both free throws, though, setting up the Thunder 6.9 seconds for the final play.
clutch. pic.twitter.com/PeO3DE0R9m
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 19, 2021
CELEBRATION: Gilgeous-Alexander was greeted first by Lu Dort, who returned to the lineup with a team-high 29 points, quickly followed by the rest of his Thunder teammates. Gilgeous-Alexander raised his right hand to the sky as his teammates surrounded him and chased him around the court, this time sending the fans home happy.
GRADE:
