The Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive home streak came to an end as they fell to the Indiana Pacers with a final score of 111-121 on March 12, 2024.
The game started with both teams showcasing tight defense, but the Pacers managed to edge out with a 5-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Thunder, despite a valiant effort led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points, couldn’t contain the Pacers.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points, he passed Kevin Durant for most 30+ point games for the Thunder in a season. How he achieved this feat however was highly questionable and equally as shameful. Definitely one of the worst stat-padding attempts in recent history. The Thunder were down 12 points with only 15 seconds left and SGA only having 28 points in his name. This is when the All-Star intentionally fouled to send Andrew Nembhard to the line, in order to get the ball back.
His plan worked out, as he paced down the court for a layup and points 29 and 30.