The Oklahoma City Thunder showed strong form once again as they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 137-106 in their recent NBA game. The Thunder continued their perfect start to the season, moving to 7-0, while the Pelicans are still looking for their first win. It was a match full of energy, teamwork, and excellent shooting. This article will take a closer look at the game, player stats, and key moments that made this match exciting.
Game Overview
The Thunder came into the game with confidence after winning their first six matches of the season. Playing at home, they quickly took control with sharp shooting and fast ball movement. The Pelicans tried to stay in the game but could not stop the Thunder’s strong offense.
The final score was Oklahoma City Thunder 137 – New Orleans Pelicans 106.
The Thunder shot around 41.7% from three-point range, making 20 three-pointers, their highest number this season. The Pelicans, on the other hand, managed 43.8% field goal percentage and 40% from beyond the arc.
From the first quarter, the Thunder looked more organized and confident. Their defense forced the Pelicans into turnovers, and their offense punished every mistake. By halftime, Oklahoma City had already built a comfortable lead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Star of the Night
The leader of the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), was again the main attraction. He scored 30 points, made 8 of 14 shots, and was perfect at the free-throw line with 13 out of 13. SGA also added 7 assists, showing his ability to create plays for his teammates.
What makes SGA special is his calm and control. He did not force shots but waited for the right moment to attack. His drives to the basket were strong and skillful, and his passing opened space for shooters around him. Every time the Pelicans tried to make a run, SGA answered with smart plays and points.
Teamwork and Support Players
While SGA was excellent, the win was also a result of great teamwork. Isaiah Hartenstein had one of his best games this season, finishing with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. He dominated inside, grabbing key rebounds and helping move the ball quickly.
Jaylin Williams made his first start of the season and impressed by hitting four three-pointers. His energy and movement stretched the Pelicans’ defense, giving SGA more room to drive.
Other players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also contributed well. Holmgren protected the rim and kept pressure on the Pelicans’ shooters. The Thunder’s bench played with energy, keeping the lead safe even when the main starters rested.
Pelicans’ Struggles Continue
The Pelicans are still searching for their first win of the season, and this game showed some of their ongoing problems. Their defense allowed too many open shots, especially from deep. They also had trouble controlling rebounds, giving the Thunder many second-chance opportunities.
Zion Williamson was the top performer for the Pelicans, scoring 20 points and adding 9 rebounds with 6 assists. He showed his usual power inside, but the Thunder’s team defense made it hard for him to get easy baskets.
Trey Murphy III gave good support, scoring 19 points and hitting five three-pointers. But beyond those two, the Pelicans did not get enough help from other players. Their offense often looked slow, and their defensive rotations were late.
Key Moments of the Game
- Thunder’s hot start:
In the first quarter, the Thunder made several quick threes to take an early lead. Their ball movement confused the Pelicans’ defense. - SGA’s scoring run:
Late in the second quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 10 straight points, extending the lead to double digits. - Hartenstein’s rebounding and passing:
His combination of rebounds and assists kept the Thunder’s rhythm alive. His effort on both ends made a big difference. - Fourth-quarter dominance:
The Thunder did not slow down. Even with the bench on the floor, they kept scoring and defending with the same intensity.
Team Statistics Summary
| Category | Thunder | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 48.7% | 43.8% |
| 3-Point % | 41.7% | 40.0% |
| Free Throws | 24/26 | 20/25 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 43 |
| Assists | 31 | 22 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast Break Points | 24 | 10 |
The stats clearly show the Thunder’s better balance. They moved the ball better, shot more accurately, and protected the ball. The Pelicans struggled with turnovers, which gave the Thunder many easy scoring chances.
Coaching and Strategy
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault deserves credit for his game plan. His team moved fast in transition and shared the ball well. The defense focused on closing inside lanes and forcing the Pelicans to shoot from distance. The plan worked perfectly.
On the Pelicans’ side, coach Willie Green tried different lineups to find rhythm, but none worked for long. The team’s defensive communication and energy must improve if they want to compete in future games.
Fans and Atmosphere
The game was played in Oklahoma City, and the home crowd was loud and supportive. Every big play by SGA or Hartenstein brought cheers from the fans. The energy in the arena clearly boosted the Thunder players, especially in the second half.
What This Win Means
This victory shows that the Thunder are serious contenders this season. Their young players are growing in confidence, and their chemistry looks strong. With SGA leading the way and players like Holmgren and Williams improving, the future looks bright for Oklahoma City.
For the Pelicans, the loss highlights areas that need work. Defense, ball control, and team coordination must improve if they want to break their losing streak. They have talent, but it needs to come together as a unit.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last 10 games between these two teams, the Thunder have dominated, winning all 10 matchups. The all-time record also favors Oklahoma City with 46 wins to 32 losses against New Orleans. The Thunder’s fast and unselfish style has been difficult for the Pelicans to handle in recent seasons.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 137-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans was a complete performance. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership to Hartenstein’s effort on the boards, every player contributed to the team’s success. The Thunder’s combination of strong defense, sharp shooting, and teamwork continues to impress fans and analysts alike.
For the Pelicans, it was another tough night, but there were still some positives in individual performances from Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. With some adjustments and better defense, they can still turn their season around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who scored the most points in the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points. - What was the final score?
Oklahoma City Thunder 137, New Orleans Pelicans 106. - Who had the most rebounds?
Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 14 rebounds for the Thunder. - Did Zion Williamson play well?
Yes, he had 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, but his team still lost. - How many three-pointers did the Thunder make?
They made 20 three-pointers, their highest of the season. - What was the Thunder’s record after this win?
They improved to 7-0 for the season. - Who was the best player for the Pelicans?
Zion Williamson was their top player, followed by Trey Murphy III. - Which team had more assists?
The Thunder had 31 assists compared to the Pelicans’ 22. - Where was the game played?
The game took place in Oklahoma City. - What is the Thunder vs. Pelicans head-to-head record?
The Thunder lead the all-time regular season series with 46 wins to 32 losses.
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