In a dominant performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams contributed 26 and 21 points, respectively. The Thunder shot an impressive 59% from the field and made 14 of 29 3-pointers. On the other side, Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points for the Pelicans, who were without top scorer Zion Williamson due to a strained left hamstring. In Game 1, Valanciunas had 20 rebounds and the Pelicans outrebounded the Thunder, but in Game 2, Oklahoma City held the advantage on the boards and capitalized on turnovers to secure the win.
The Thunder’s offense was much more comfortable in Game 2 compared to the closely contested Game 1. The pace of the game was faster, allowing the high-scoring Thunder to showcase their offensive firepower. Holmgren had a standout performance in the first quarter, scoring 13 points to counter Valanciunas’ early offensive output. Gilgeous-Alexander then picked up the scoring in the later part of the first quarter, helping the Thunder establish a 35-22 lead. Holmgren continued to shine with 15 points in a single quarter, setting a rookie playoff record for the Thunder.
At halftime, the Thunder held a 63-50 lead over the Pelicans, with Holmgren contributing 20 points and Gilgeous-Alexander adding 16. The lead continued to grow in the third quarter as the Thunder extended their advantage to 92-74. Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren were eventually rested in the fourth quarter, with the Thunder maintaining a commanding 120-86 lead. Their strong performance on both ends of the court limited the Pelicans’ offensive opportunities and secured the 2-0 series lead for Oklahoma City.
Game 3 will take place in New Orleans, where the Pelicans will look to bounce back and avoid falling into a 3-0 series deficit. With Williamson still sidelined, New Orleans will need to find ways to generate offense and contain the Thunder’s potent scoring threats. Valanciunas, Jones, and Ingram will likely need to step up and lead the Pelicans in Game 3 to have a chance at turning the series around. Meanwhile, the Thunder will aim to continue their strong play and take a commanding lead in the series as they look to advance in the playoffs.
Overall, the Thunder’s Game 2 victory was a display of their offensive efficiency and defensive prowess. With key contributions from Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams, they were able to outplay the Pelicans and secure a convincing win. As the series shifts to New Orleans, both teams will make adjustments and prepare for a crucial Game 3. The Thunder will seek to maintain their momentum and take a commanding lead, while the Pelicans will look to even the series and make a comeback against the top-seeded Oklahoma City team.
