Pelicans Avoid Being Thunderstruck In Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK- The New Orleans Pelicans squandered a 20-point first-half lead but still managed to sneak out of Oklahoma City with a 103-100 win over the Thunder. Without Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum available, Brandon Ingram put on a show by scoring 34 points on 14-24 shooting from the field.

Ingram also had 4 rebounds and 1 assist but also 6 turnovers, one of which was kicked out of bounds after getting a pass in the low block. Lu Dort's pressure almost paid off for Oklahoma City but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could not get a clean look over Herb Jones on the potential game-tying shot with 3.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The Pelicans played a bit too lackadaisical to start the second half and it almost cost them a win. Their lead was chopped down to a single point after spending most of the night with a double-digit cushion. Jonas Valanciunas got in foul trouble and the Thunder got hyperfocused on stopping Ingram.

New Orleans had no presence in the paint and got outscored 22-16 in the third quarter. Willie Green's squad had more turnovers (6) than made shots (5). There were a few nervous moments in the fourth quarter as well. Inbounding the ball and a lack of timeouts let the Thunder have a shot at overtime. But Ingram found a way to bail his team out of a jam.

R U KIDDING ME BRANDON INGRAM pic.twitter.com/xDbfaeYao0
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 14, 2023

Herb Jones (4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals) made only two shots but his focus was more on playing defense on Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder star finished with 24 points but it took 21 shots and 8 free throws to hit that mark. Gilgeous-Alexander did post a double-double with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal. However, he matched Ingram's six turnovers giving those extra possessions right back to the Pelicans.

New Orleans had five other players besides Ingram score in double figures. Jonas Valanciunas and Jose Alvarado both finished with 14 points each. Trey Murphy III ended the night with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks but also only 3 made shots. He also had 3 turnovers. The Pelicans lost the turnover battle 18-16.

Josh Richardson, swapped at the trade deadline for Devonte' Graham, had 10 points and 5 steals in his Pelicans' debut. The former Spur said it was "hectic getting to New Orleans from Toronto" but still managed to play a team-high 34 minutes.

In tonight’s win, Josh Richardson became the second player in franchise history to post five steals in his debut, joining DeMarcus Cousins (2/23/17).
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) February 14, 2023

The Pelicans led this one wire-to-wire. Next up is a trip to see LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Beating the Thunder helped put some space between New Orleans and these two NBA Playoff Play-In Tournament rivals. With just one game left before the All-Star break, the Pelicans got some breathing room after almost getting Thunderstruck.

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