n a pivotal Game 3, the Oklahoma City Thunder decisively outplayed the New Orleans Pelicans, cruising to a 106-85 victory and taking an almost insurmountable 3-0 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, orchestrating a well-rounded team effort that saw Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey each add 21 points. Oklahoma City, the top seed, displayed their dominance from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 36 three-point attempts (47.2%), and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, peaking at a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans, severely handicapped by the absence of Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury, now face the daunting challenge of staving off elimination in Game 4. Despite slight improvements in their shooting, the eighth-seeded Pelicans struggled with perimeter shooting and turnovers, which the Thunder capitalized on to solidify their commanding lead in the series.
