The Oklahoma City Thunder leaned on depth and defense to secure a 104-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night at Paycom Center, halting a brief skid and maintaining the NBA’s best record.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 29 points as the conference leaders improved to 38-10, despite playing without four rotation players due to injury. The All-Star guard extended his streak of 20-point games to 118, the second-longest run in league history.
The Thunder opened the game cold, missing their first eight shots, while New Orleans also struggled early. Both teams combined to shoot 4-of-17 to start, setting the tone for a physical contest.
Oklahoma City steadied itself behind defensive pressure and timely shooting before halftime. Luguentz Dort’s three-pointer with 10.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter gave the hosts a 48-46 edge at the break.
Chet Holmgren anchored the interior and delivered one of his most complete performances of the season. The second-year center recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks, controlling the paint at both ends.
The Thunder began to separate midway through the third quarter. Holmgren’s three-pointer with 3:38 left in the period pushed the lead to 74-64, while another Dort triple later stretched the margin to 88-73.
New Orleans responded with urgency in the fourth. The Pelicans used a 14-2 run, capped by Jeremiah Fears’ 22-foot bank shot, to cut the deficit to 92-87 and force Oklahoma City to reset.
Dort answered again from deep, hitting his fourth three-pointer of the night to restore breathing room. Isaiah Joe also provided a lift off the bench, scoring 17 points on efficient shooting to help close out the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander struggled from the field at 8-of-22 but consistently pressured the defense. He went 13-of-14 at the free-throw line, capitalizing on New Orleans’ fouling late.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 21 points and 11 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting. Saddiq Bey added 16 points and 13 boards as New Orleans fell to 12-37, despite winning the rebounding battle.
Tensions rose in the final minute as multiple players exchanged words and physical contact, resulting in technical fouls and a brief on-court confrontation. Officials restored order without ejections.
Oklahoma City finished at 40 percent shooting and held the Pelicans to 34 percent from the field. The Thunder also converted 21-of-23 free throws, a decisive edge in a nine-point win.
The Pelicans host Memphis on Friday, while Oklahoma City travels to Minnesota on Thursday to continue its Western Conference road stretch.
