Social Media Reacts to OKC Thunder First Playoff Win Since 2020

The Oklahoma City Thunder grabbed game one of their first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans for their first playoff win since 2020. Social Media was sent into a frenzy.

Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder huddles up before the start of / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) grabbed a 94-92 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) on Sunday inside the Paycom Center to escape Game 1 of their first-round series.

In their first playoff home game since the 2019 season, the Thunder earned their first playoff win since 2020. This is the debut of this young core on the league's biggest stage as Oklahoma City represents the youngest No. 1 seed of all time hosting the No. 8 seed-depleted Pelicans who had to navigate the NBA Play-In tournament.

Despite this game grinding to a halt at times offensively, and some stunning struggles from their MVP candidate, the Thunder found a way thanks to their grit according to bench boss Mark Daigneault.

in the arena, the Thunder fanbase was rowdy with decibel readings that nearly cracked triple digits while displayed on the new jumbotron the deafening wall of sound verberating O-K-C chants at the Bourbon Street ballers helped lift Oklahoma City to a gutsy game one win.

With this victory, social media was set on fire thanks to the best game of the night. The lone competitive affair of Sunday's slate caused a stir.

When there’s a Shai, there’s a way 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Ej17LHSOeC

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 22, 2024

Playoff J-Dub BARKING pic.twitter.com/EVRBtnIVLz

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) April 22, 2024

Former Thunder Tre Mann finding his seat. Pretty cool of him to want to take this in. pic.twitter.com/yjitevveKE

— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) April 22, 2024

The bonds and youthful exuberance of this Thunder team on display.

Look at the way they support each other during postgame interviews following their Game 1 home win over New Orleans.

Fun team. pic.twitter.com/0lvjgYL9Zf

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 22, 2024

This is just an incredible defensive sequence from Chet.

Shai steps up on the PnR, Chet rotates over to the Dunker, then recovers and extends for the block — insane ground coverage.

Next possession: Thunder hunt out CJ and let SGA cook.

pic.twitter.com/a73DTGv8rA

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) April 22, 2024

So happy to have playoff heart attacks back

Thunder. Up.

— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) April 22, 2024

Up next, the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to build on this Game 1 momentum in Game 2 after a pair of off days before hosting the Pelicans on Wednesday at 8:30 on TNT.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.