Josh Giddey’s career night propels OKC Thunder in NBA play-in tournament

Josh Giddey matched a career-high 31 points to go with 10 assists and nine rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 on Wednesday night to remain alive in the Western Conference play-in tournament.

The loss eliminated the ninth-seeded Pelicans, while 10th seed Oklahoma City advanced to play at Minnesota on Friday night for the right to enter the NBA playoffs as an eighth seed and meet No 1 Denver.

“It was pretty much everything I expected; a loud, hostile environment,” the 20-year-old Australian said of his playoff debut. “And it’s going to be a similar environment in a do-or-die game (against the Timberwolves).”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his 32-point night with a go-ahead baseline jumper and four clutch free throws in the final 29 seconds for Oklahoma City, the only Western Conference team still playing with a losing record.

Giddey was at the heart of the action in the do-or-die game, powering the scoring early before Gilgeous-Alexander exploded in the third quarter.

“We’ve been battle tested. We’ve played in a lot of close games all year, for the past couple of years,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Even when the season wasn’t going our way, we played in a lot of close games and we have good habits and we know what gets it done down the stretch.”

Brandon Ingram scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half, including a three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to give the Pelicans a slim chance to come back.

But after Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws, Herbert Jones threw away an inbound pass, virtually sealing New Orleans’ fate.

Lu Dort scored 27 for the Thunder, including a pair of free throws with 6.2 seconds left.

Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and 18 rebounds for New Orleans,