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

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
  • 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.
  • 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.