New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

On November 13, 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the New Orleans Pelicans at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder emerged victorious with a commanding 106-88 win, demonstrating their defensive dominance and offensive efficiency. In this article, we will explain new orleans pelicans vs okc thunder match player stats strengths and weaknesses of both teams, with standout performances on either side.

New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder Match

The Thunder’s defensive strategy was the cornerstone of their success, forcing the Pelicans into 20 turnovers. Oklahoma City capitalized on these errors, converting turnovers into 29 points, while the Pelicans managed only four points from Thunder’s mistakes. This significant difference played a pivotal role in determining the game’s outcome. The third quarter proved decisive, with Oklahoma City outscoring New Orleans 28-18, creating a gap the Pelicans struggled to close.

 

<p><h2>New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

Below is a comparison of the team statistics that highlight the overall gameplay.

Statistic Pelicans Thunder
Field Goals Made-Attempted 32-82 42-88
Field Goal Percentage 39.0% 47.7%
Three-Point Made-Attempted 9-36 10-33
Three-Point Percentage 25.0% 30.3%
Free Throws Made-Attempted 10-14 13-14
Free Throw Percentage 71.4% 92.9%
Total Rebounds 41 45
Offensive Rebounds 8 6
Defensive Rebounds 33 39
Assists 24 22
Steals 9 11
Blocks 5 5
Turnovers 20 13
Personal Fouls 16 11

The Thunder’s superior shooting efficiency, both from the field and beyond the arc, combined with their ability to capitalize on turnovers, proved to be too much for the Pelicans to handle.

 

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Key Performances

Oklahoma City saw stellar contributions from multiple players, with Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.

  • Jalen Williams: The standout performer of the night, Williams delivered a season-high 31 points, complemented by 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. His all-around contribution was instrumental in the Thunder’s success.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess with 29 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. His ability to create plays and score under pressure gave the Thunder a consistent offensive edge.
  • Luguentz Dort: Adding 11 points and shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, Dort provided valuable perimeter shooting and defensive coverage.
  • Aaron Wiggins: Coming off the bench, Wiggins chipped in with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. His energy and hustle were vital in maintaining the Thunder’s momentum.

 

New Orleans Pelicans’ Key Performances

The Pelicans struggled to find consistency, with turnovers being a significant issue. However, a few players managed to shine despite the team’s overall struggles.

  • Brandon Ingram: Leading the Pelicans’ offense, Ingram scored 18 points while contributing 6 rebounds and 6 assists. However, his 8 turnovers highlighted the pressure applied by the Thunder’s defense.
  • Trey Murphy III: Murphy scored 14 points and made 2 three-pointers, showing flashes of his scoring potential.
  • Jamal Cain: Cain contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds, shooting efficiently from three-point range (2-of-4).
  • Yves Missi: A bright spot in the paint, Missi recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his presence on the boards.

 

Game Analysis

The Thunder’s strategy focused on exploiting the Pelicans’ weaknesses, particularly their ball-handling under pressure. Oklahoma City’s defense forced New Orleans into making hasty decisions, resulting in turnovers that the Thunder converted into easy points. The Pelicans’ inability to adjust to the Thunder’s defensive schemes was evident throughout the game.

In contrast, the Thunder exhibited balanced offensive and defensive efforts. Their shot selection was better, with a higher field goal percentage, and their bench players stepped up when needed, providing valuable contributions. Oklahoma City’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor was reflected in their higher number of steals, rebounds, and overall efficiency.

 

Third Quarter Dominance

The third quarter was the turning point of the game. The Thunder’s defensive energy translated into quick transitions and efficient scoring. Oklahoma City outscored New Orleans 28-18 in this period, breaking the game open and establishing a lead that the Pelicans couldn’t recover from.

Key Takeaways

  1. Thunder’s Defense: Oklahoma City’s defense was the key to their victory. Forcing 20 turnovers and turning them into 29 points underlined their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
  2. Pelicans’ Struggles: New Orleans’ struggles with turnovers and three-point shooting (25%) highlighted areas needing improvement. The absence of efficient ball movement and scoring consistency cost them the game.
  3. Individual Brilliance: Jalen Williams’ all-around performance stood out as the highlight of the night. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor solidified his position as a critical player for the Thunder.

 

Conclusion

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 106-88 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans was a testament to their defensive discipline and offensive efficiency. While the Thunder celebrated a well-rounded team effort, the Pelicans were left grappling with their ongoing struggles, marking their sixth consecutive loss. As both teams look to improve, the Thunder’s upward trajectory places them as a formidable opponent in the league, while the Pelicans will need to regroup and address their weaknesses to get back on track.

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