In a thrilling conclusion to their first-round playoff series, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a decisive 97-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, completing a four-game sweep.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The game-changing moment occurred in the fourth quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander’s hustle back on defense after a blocked shot ignited a crucial sequence for the Thunder.
With key contributions from Chet Holmgren (14 points, 9 rebounds), Josh Giddey (14 points), and Jalen Williams (24 points, 8 rebounds), the Thunder rallied to outscore the Pelicans 18-2 down the stretch, sealing the victory and advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
Despite a valiant effort from the Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum’s 20 points, poor 3-point shooting proved to be their downfall, with only eight of 34 attempts finding the mark.
Jonas Valanciunas recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds but was hampered by foul trouble throughout the game.
Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans’ leading scorer, struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 2-of-14 from the field and finishing with eight points.
With Zion Williamson sidelined for the entire series, the Pelicans looked to Ingram for offensive production, but he was stifled by the relentless defense of Lu Dort.
The Thunder will face either the Los Angeles Clippers or Dallas Mavericks in the second round.
