By Rell Wright, Pelicans Contributor The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a playoff series victory, sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans with a 97-89 win. The Thunder’s standout, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, not only delivered offensively with 24 points and 10 rebounds but also made a crucial defensive play that exemplified his team’s spirit. “To win basketball games, a lot goes into it,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked, emphasizing the importance of doing the little things right, a philosophy that clearly paid off in Monday night’s game.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter, starting with a turnover by Gilgeous-Alexander that could have shifted momentum towards the Pelicans. However, his hustle to recover the situation, coupled with a strong defensive stand under the basket, prevented a New Orleans score. This effort was followed by a critical sequence where Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey contributed key baskets, igniting an 18-2 run that decisively tilted the game in OKC’s favor. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, recently named NBA’s Coach of the Year, praised his team’s execution and confidence, especially in crunch time. “When we play offense the way we did in the fourth quarter, the shots will go in a little bit more,” Daigneault said, highlighting the cohesive performance that characterized their playoff run.
Despite valiant efforts by CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas, who led the Pelicans with 20 and 19 points respectively, New Orleans struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. The absence of Zion Williamson was deeply felt, as the team needed more from Brandon Ingram, who underperformed against the tenacious defense led by Lu Dort. Pelicans coach Willie Green commended the team’s fighting spirit but acknowledged the challenge posed by the top-seeded Thunder. As the Thunder advance, they leave behind a series marked by their defensive resilience and strategic execution, setting a high bar for their upcoming challenges in the postseason.
