OKLAHOMA CITY – After a poster dunk, Jalen Williams shortly bought an opportunity at redemption. Ajay Mitchell closed off a passing lane and created a steal. Seconds later, Williams flew up and hit him with each arms.
THE Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder survived the battle of attrition towards exhausted populations New Orleans Pelicans with a 106-88 victory. OKC has gained each video games throughout its small-ball period since Chet Holmgren suffered a damaged hip.
At first, it seemed just like the Pelicans had been going to finish their five-game shedding streak. The Thunder had been on alert. They had been down 18-6 within the opening minutes. OKC shortly got here out of its funk with a 20-5 run. They held a 33-28 lead after the primary quarter.
The Thunder led the remainder of the sport, however the Pelicans stayed shut till the second quarter. OKC solely held a 54-50 lead. OKC’s 23-9 run within the third body created a cushion. New Orleans’ lack of scoring was uncovered. The Thunder scored 28 factors within the third quarter and held an 82-68 benefit.
The fourth quarter was inconsequential. The Thunder elevated their result in 22 factors. This was a scheduled win for OKC. The Pelicans harm report was prolonged. The absences of Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum had been highlighted.
The Thunder shot 44% from the sector and made 15 of 39 (38.5%) from 3. They’d 20 assists on 39 subject targets. 4 Thunder gamers scored double-digit factors. What they lack in dimension, they make up for in deflections. OKC had 16 steals and compelled 24 turnovers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams performed like an All-Star duo. Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 factors and Williams had 31 factors. That is what OKC will want with out Holmgren. Via two video games, the duo headlined the Thunder’s small remaining workforce.
In the meantime, the Pelicans shot 40% from the sector and went 9 of 37 (24.3%) from 3. They’d 21 assists on 34 subject targets. 4 Pelicans gamers scored double-digit factors. No workforce within the league has been hit tougher by accidents than New Orleans. It is on its solution to a misplaced season due to this.
Brandon Ingram was held to 18 factors on 7-of-18 capturing, six rebounds and 6 assists. Trey Murphy III had 14 factors on 4 of 12 capturing. Yves Missi had a double-double of 10 factors and 10 rebounds.
The Thunder proceed to outlive with out a heart. A versatile schedule within the coming days will assist with this. Assistance is on the best way, nonetheless. Isaiah Hartenstein will stabilize the beginning lineup as soon as he returns from his fractured hand.
Let us take a look at the Thunder participant scores:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A-plus
Doing his greatest to impersonate Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander rose into the air to contest Brandon Boston Jr.’s dunk try. The lanky guard recovered a block. On the opposite finish, he put the ending touches on a wanted victory whereas ready for site visitors to clear and gently tipped in a jumper.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered one other stellar efficiency. He completed with 29 factors on 12-of-25 capturing, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. He shot 3 of seven from 3.
With out Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado, Gilgeous-Alexander made simple work of what remained of the Pelicans. He attacked the paint and completed round defenders. It was his third quarter of 13 factors that created distance on the scoreboard.
That is most likely the kind of shot weight-reduction plan that Gilgeous-Alexander dreamed of in the course of the offseason. The 25 shot makes an attempt are nonetheless praised by among the finest scorers within the league. The skin makes an attempt had been complementary and a part of the offensive. The stepback 3-pointer is tucked into his bag.
Total, a terrific outing for Gilgeous-Alexander. He is primed to place up MVP numbers with out Holmgren over the subsequent couple of months.
Jalen Williams: A+
Assembly Javonte Inexperienced twice, Williams totaled two blocks in a matter of seconds. The primary occurred in a standard contest throughout a dunk try by Inexperienced. The second got here as Inexperienced tried to save lots of himself the embarrassment, however didn’t take his probability.
Williams handed the odor check as OKC’s non permanent heart. Like Mystique within the “X-Males” collection, the 23-year-old has transitioned seamlessly from wing to massive.
Williams completed with a game-high 31 factors on 10-of-18 capturing, seven assists and 6 rebounds. He shot 4 of seven from 3 and made 7 of seven from the free throw line. He had 4 steals and two blocks.
It was his greatest sport of the season on each side. Contemplating how quiet the OKC crowd was, Williams did a terrific job energizing them. He was nonetheless nice all through the match and had many highlights.
The Thunder will want this model of Williams as a rule at evening the remainder of the best way. He is clearly the second greatest participant with Holmgren out.
Kenrich Williams: B
A gradual begin required a pick-me-up. Williams recharged OKC’s batteries as quickly as he entered the sector.
It was solely his second sport of the season, however Williams has a job to play with the Thunder. With out a heart, the 29-year-old’s expertise as a giant ball turns into precious. He completed with seven factors in 14 minutes.
The Thunder have began a mixture of Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins since Holmgren went down. Whereas we look forward to Hartenstein to return, Williams could possibly present extra for the starters together with his dimension and limitless power. His return from offseason knee surgical procedure was extremely well timed.
Ajay Mitchell: B-minus
Regardless of his standing as a second-round rookie, Mitchell’s significance has elevated. He performed essentially the most minutes off the bench and was one of many major ball handlers with the bench lineups.
Mitchell completed with six factors, three assists, two rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes. The 22-year-old was a nice shock. He can deal with the ball when wanted and run the offense.
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This text was initially revealed on OKC Thunder Wire: Participant Scores: Thunder beat injured Pelicans with 106-88 victory
