3 Takeaways from epic Game 1 escape for Thunder vs the Pelicans

In their first postseason game played in four years, the OKC Thunder faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

The raucous atmosphere reminded fans inside the Paycom Center of just how exhilarating a feeling postseason play can be. 

After a 48-minute barnburner which saw more than 20 lead changes between the two teams, the Thunder withstood the Pelicans, 94-92, to draw first blood in this best-of-seven series. 

It was a game of runs, putting OKC's faithful followers at the edge of their seats. Tied at 90, Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up the necessary stops and baskets to bag the win. 

As play went down to the final possession, rookie Cason Wallace was switched onto Pelicans stud CJ McCollum, clamping the veteran up for a tough, though just slightly off target shot that sealed the win for the Thunder.

The trust given to Wallace, considering his age and inexperience, was massive. 

That grit defined the Thunder in their first playoff game together. 

"I thought we showed great grit down the stretch," coach Mark Daigneault said. "Obviously, that was a tight game. It was a bit of a brawl for both teams offensively. And we made plays defensively down the stretch — big time plays — and had the resolve to go in and win the game."

The number one seed may have found themselves in a tight tussle with the eighth seed, but it certainly was a great early test to their fortitude as they continue to navigate through the uncharted territory that is the NBA playoffs. 

Looking back on their epic Game 1, there were a few key takeaways the Thunder fanbase should be well aware of.