Two of the worst teams in the Western Conference played against each other on Wednesday, as the 8-18 Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the 8-21 New Orleans Pelicans. Even though both franchises have had their challenges so far this season, the teams delivered a dramatic finish that has the basketball world buzzing at the moment.
The Pelicans were up 110-107 with two seconds left when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder made a 30-foot jump shot to tie the contest at 110. Then at the buzzer, Devonte’ Graham delivered with a dramatic 61-foot buzzer beater of his own, to give the Pelicans a 113-110 win. According to ESPN, the chances of Gilgeous-Alexander making his shot was 14.1%, and the chances of Graham making his shot was 3.5%. The chances of Gilgeous-Alexander and Graham making their shots were 0.5%.
It has been a tough season for the Pelicans. The franchise is in disarray, and their star player Zion Williamson has not played at all because of a broken foot he suffered during the summer. Now according to Kevin Connelly of Fansided, there is a possibility that Williamson may not return anytime soon to the Pelicans after having a setback in his recovery process. The Pelicans desperately need Williamson, who has had a history of injury troubles to begin his NBA career.
Graham meanwhile is in his first year in New Orleans after playing the last three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. He was involved in the offseason three-way deal between the two teams, that also included the Memphis Grizzlies. So far this season he is averaging 13.3 points per game and 4.5 assists per game.
