NBA Roundup: Thunder Clinches Playoff Spot with Thrilling Victory Over Knicks, Mavericks Extend Winning Streak

In a nail-biting finish on Sunday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first playoff berth since 2020 with a dramatic 113-112 victory over the New York Knicks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s star, shone brightly as he hit a go-ahead fallaway jumper with just 2.6 seconds left on the clock. The tension peaked as the Thunder then managed a defensive stop against the Knicks right before the buzzer, ensuring their spot in the playoffs.

The game’s critical moment came after a Thunder timeout, when Josh Giddey executed a perfect inbounds pass to Gilgeous-Alexander. With a skillful dribble to get past Miles McBride, Gilgeous-Alexander turned and sunk a deep shot from the left corner, sealing the deal for the Thunder. Despite a quick response and a timeout by the Knicks, Jalen Brunson’s attempt at a turnaround jumper was unsuccessful, bouncing off the rim as time expired, leaving the Thunder victorious.

Josh Giddey showcased his versatile talent with a triple-double, contributing 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Jalen Williams led the scoring for Oklahoma City with a game-high 33 points. The victory marked the Thunder’s sixth win in their last eight games, indicating a strong finish to the season. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to fend off the Thunder’s late-game heroics.

Elsewhere in the league, the Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games with a convincing 125-107 win over the Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic was in spectacular form, matching his career high with nine 3-pointers and finishing with 47 points. This win not only showcased the Mavericks’ offensive firepower but also snapped the Rockets’ 11-game winning streak, highlighting Dallas’s dominance on the court.

In Denver, the Nuggets trounced the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-101, with Nikola Jokic delivering an impressive performance of 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. This victory was a much-needed boost for the Nuggets, breaking a two-game home losing streak.

Other notable games included the Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Toronto Raptors 135-120, setting a team record with 24 3-pointers. The Los Angeles Clippers also claimed victory over the Charlotte Hornets, with Paul George leading the charge with 41 points.