The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder had one of the best finishes in recent NBA memory. With just over 2 seconds remaining in the game and the Thunder trailing by three, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sank a triple to tie the game. It appeared the game was destined for overtime. But Devonte' Graham was not having that.
Graham sank a 61-foot three point shot at the buzzer for the win. After the game, Graham was asked about the shot and his confidence in it. He was honest, saying āI just wanted to get one upā¦ they done poured ice on me, I'm freezingā
Even @Devonte4Graham couldn't believe it!
Hear from Devonte' after his WILD #TissotBuzzerBeater for the @PelicansNBA! pic.twitter.com/b0jKLWg8xT
ā NBA (@NBA) December 16, 2021
The Pelicans have not had a lot to celebrate about this season. Entering Wednesday, they were 8-20 having just lost to the lowly San Antonio Spurs. In making the almost three quarter court buzzer beater, Graham made history Wednesday.
Devonte' Graham made a 61-footer at the buzzer to win the game. That is the longest game-winning buzzer-beater over the last 25 years
This is the first game over the last 25 seasons to feature multiple game-tying or go-ahead shots from 30+ feet inside the 5 seconds of a game.
ā ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 16, 2021
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the 61-foot game winning shot is the longest game-winning buzzer-beater made in the last 25 years in the NBA. It is also the first time over the last 25 seasons that the NBA saw multiple game-tying or go-ahead shots from 30 or more feet inside the final five seconds of a game.
It was a crazy night across the association, but nothing was crazier than Graham's shot. Once again, he had a funny take, this time at the podium afterward. Graham was able to get possession of the ball he used to make history with.
"I got the ball. My grandma or my mama or somebody's gonna be excited for it." ā@Devonte4Graham šā¤ļø pic.twitter.com/4KEC0nIZzR
ā New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 16, 2021
It will probably be another long season for the Pelicans and Pelicans fans, but this is a night they will not soon forget.