OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans: A Battle for Playoff Redemption

TLDRIn their first playoff appearance since the Orlando bubble, the OKC Thunder faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to convert on offense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Hoard led the Thunder with their aggressive drives to the rim, while the Pelicans relied on their outside shooting. Despite a strong comeback from the Pelicans in the fourth quarter, the Thunder held on for the win.

Key insights

⚡️Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a dominant force on offense, using his driving ability to create scoring opportunities.

🌪The Thunder's defense, led by Chad Holmgren, stifled Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans' offense.

🔥Jaylen Hoard provided a spark off the bench for the Thunder, making key plays on both ends of the court.

🏀CJ McCollum was the main scoring option for the Pelicans, using his shot creation to keep them in the game.

🔒Both teams struggled with offensive rebounding, leading to limited second-chance opportunities.

Q&A

Who was the leading scorer for the Thunder?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder in scoring with his aggressive drives to the rim.

How did the Thunder's defense perform?

The Thunder's defense, led by Chad Holmgren, stifled the Pelicans' offense and made it difficult for them to score.

Who was the main scoring option for the Pelicans?

CJ McCollum was the main scoring option for the Pelicans, using his shot creation skills to keep them in the game.

Did either team struggle with offensive rebounding?

Both teams struggled with offensive rebounding, leading to limited second-chance opportunities.

Who provided a spark off the bench for the Thunder?

Jaylen Hoard provided a spark off the bench for the Thunder, making key plays on both ends of the court.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The OKC Thunder face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in their first playoff appearance since the Orlando bubble.

06:13Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates on offense with aggressive drives to the rim.

09:23Chad Holmgren leads the Thunder's defense, shutting down Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans' offense.

12:58Jaylen Hoard provides a spark off the bench for the Thunder with key plays on both ends of the court.

16:45CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans' scoring with his shot creation skills.

19:36Both teams struggle with offensive rebounding, limiting second-chance opportunities.

22:18The Pelicans mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, but the Thunder hold on for the win.