The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder squared off for an opportunity to extend their season in the Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night, and ultimately it was the Thunder who came out on top, 123-118.
New Orleans led the game at halftime, but the Thunder came out and took over in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 39-24. Despite a valiant effort on the part of the Pelicans down the stretch, Oklahoma City was able to hold on, thanks largely to its collective guard play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 32 points, while Josh GIddey had 31 points and 10 assists, and Lu Dort added 27 points and five rebounds. Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Herb Jones also added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, but ultimately their production wasn’t enough to propel the Pelicans to a win.