by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor
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.
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.
