The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 on Wednesday night, thereby bringing an end to the Pelicans’ season and winning them the opportunity to play for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points on the night, including 25 in the second half of the game to help Oklahoma City complete their comeback after what was one of the worst first halves of any game statistically this season. Guard Josh Giddey finished just behind Gilgeous-Alexander on 31 points, adding 10 rebounds and nine assists as well.
“When your leader is not flustered and under control out there, it’s a spiral effect,” Giddey reflected after the game. “Guys see that and feed off it.”
Although the Pelicans were successful in their plan to minimize Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring opportunities, only allowing him to score seven points in the first half, Giddey explained that the Thunder was prepared for this outcome, working it into their own game plan. Instead of attempting to force his way into the game, Gilgeous-Alexander enabled his teammates to create other opportunities, finding his way into the game naturally once the opportunity arose.
Oklahoma City is set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
