It’s one thing to get beaten. It’s another to get completely buried under a three-point avalanche, and that’s exactly what happened to the New Orleans Pelicans in Oklahoma City. The Pelicans allowed a franchise-worst 27 threes on 55 attempts, making it clear that New Orleans didn’t have the talent to compete with the NBA’s best team on either end of the floor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 31 points in just three quarters, and the Thunder coasted to a 137-101 victory, handing the Pelicans their ninth straight loss. Playing without CJ McCollum, New Orleans couldn’t find any real offensive rhythm, and the Thunder dominated from start to finish.
The first few minutes of the game set the tone. Chet Holmgren knocked down a three on OKC’s first possession and then blocked Karlo Matkovic twice in 30 seconds. The Thunder’s defense was suffocating, forcing the Pelicans into seven turnovers before they had even hit their third field goal.
New Orleans gave it away 22 times and allowed the Thunder to score 40 points off those turnovers. The Pelicans fell to 1-25 when they turned it over 15 times or more this season.
By halftime, it was a 72-50 rout. The second half didn’t get much better. Every time New Orleans tried to make a push, OKC answered with another three-pointer or a defensive stop.
Trey Murphy III was one of the few bright spots, finishing with 23 points while Zion Williamson added 17. Trey has scored 20 or more in a season-high six consecutive games. The rest of the team struggled, however, especially in the backcourt. Jose Alvarado, starting in place of McCollum, was held to nine points, and the Pelicans finished the night with more turnovers (23) than assists (20).
Meanwhile, the Thunder bench torched New Orleans. Aaron Wiggins had 24 points, including four three-pointers and OKC’s reserves outscored the Pelicans’ second unit by 33 points. Holmgren, playing just his second game since returning from injury, added 12 points, six rebounds, and five blocks, while Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass with 13 rebounds.
This was the ninth straight head-to-head win for OKC over New Orleans, including last season’s playoff sweep.
The Pelicans now return home to face the Kings, hoping that new trade acquisitions Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk can bring talent and experience to the bench. But if they don’t figure out how to take care of the ball and defend the perimeter, the losing streak might not end anytime soon.
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