Despite mounting a valiant comeback from a 20-point deficit, the New Orleans Pelicans fell just short, succumbing to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 119-112 in a thrilling Tuesday night showdown. The Thunder, led by Jalen Williams with 26 points, demonstrated remarkable poise as they extinguished the Pelicans’ resurgence with a decisive 12-0 run in the closing minutes. Josh Giddey contributed 25 points, embodying the team’s unshakeable spirit in the face of the Pelicans’ fierce rally.
"We were kinda stagnant. I gotta demand the ball more in those situations."
For New Orleans, Zion Williamson‘s 29 points and 10 assists, alongside CJ McCollum’s 23 points, fueled a spirited comeback that electrified the home crowd, but ultimately, the team’s inability to capitalize in the final stretch sealed their fate. The Pelicans’ late-game silence, missing their last five shots, underscored the need for more assertive play in crunch time, a sentiment echoed by Williamson. Despite the loss, the Pelicans remain entrenched in the competitive fray of late-season games, with Williamson relishing the high-stakes environment. The Thunder’s victory, their fifth in six games, nudges them closer to the top of the Western Conference, showcasing their resilience and strategic execution under pressure.
