Thunder vs Pelicans: Oklahoma City Thunder stun New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Play-in tournament on Thursday, April 13th. Thunder defeated New Orleans pelicans 118-123.
Brandon Ingram led New Orleans Pelicans were in lead at the half time. OKC propelled back in the third quarter out scoring Pelicans by 39-24. Thunder with the momentum on their side late in the game managed to hang on to the lead winning the game. OKC guard’s delivered at the clutch time to out score the Pelicans.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander leads the game in Thunder vs Pelicans scoring 32 points, Josh Giddey had a productive outing scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Lugentz Dort dished out 27 points and five rebounds. Brandon Ingram paced the offense of New Orleans Pelicans with 30points, Herb Jones added 20 points,5 assists and 5 rebounds.
Oklahoma’s City Thunders victory over the Pelicans means they will now battle Minnesota Timberwolves for the no 8 seed in the Western Conference. A win against the Timberwolves will power them to the NBA playoffs. OKC will face the no 1 seed of the Western Conference.
Thunder vs Pelicans: Key Takeaways For OKC
#1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s rise
Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander is not an households name like many other young players playing on top teams. The Guard made his first all star game this season and is the 4th leading point scorer in the regular season.
Gilgeous Alexander’s national exposure has been limited due to his team’s low market in the league. The whole basketball witnessed the guards explosive offensive game on Wednesday where the whole basketball fans were tuned in and outshined the pelicans players proving that he is an elite guard.
Shai started off slowly against the Pelicans in the first half. With his team trailing by 6 points he started attacking the basket more frequently dishing out 16 points in the third quarter and closing the game with 32 points at 50% shooting.
Gilgeous Alexander is absolutely one of the best young guards in the league. With him driving the Thunder’s offense, the teams future looks bright.
#2 Josh Giddey Career Best Performance
It is hard to believe that Josh Giddey is just 20 years old. Despite his performances Shai Gilgeous Alexanders gets the credit for the win. Giddey’s support was crucial in OKC’s upset win over New Orleans Pelicans. He finished with a near triple double scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists on the night.
Josh Giddey’s stats is clear evidence of how good a player he is. He can play both on and off ball provides the much needed space for Oklahoma’s offense to flourish. The Thunder are lucky enough to have two great young guards on their roster.
Read More: Why NBA is More Popular Than Euro League
