'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDAREAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQX/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAFrJX//EACMQAAEDAgUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwUEEgAGITFCERMUIlH/2gAIAQEAAT8ACHq5CHcR2C8GoA0ZCoU2XUO5oy62cfZGh3XdV1wGXqqwe5lqWA+QNS7CAK/B02x//8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEAgv/aAAgBAgEBPwC0Fwxbvf/EABkRAQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMRUv/aAAgBAwEBPwDdmipDIcE//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The New Orleans Pelicans, without Zion Williamson, opened their first-round playoff series against the OKC Thunder on the road. “Zanos’” return is anybody’s guess so the Pelicans invaded Oklahoma without their franchise cornerstone. New Orleans coach Willie Green is unfazed, though, by what lies ahead of them.
The first 12 minutes was a combination of misfired open shots and a defensive slugfest that resulted in a low-scoring affair. Neither team can impose its will due to the said factors and finished the quarter tied 17-17.
The offense for both the New Orleans Pelicans and OKC Thunder had better traction in the second quarter. New Orleans relied on a balanced attack on offense led by CJ McCollum. Oklahoma also followed the same script but it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheading the host.
For the most part, Game 1 remained a defensive, drawn-out struggle. Both teams were superb chasing shooters off the 3-point line as no team shot better than 27% from deep. The two teams exited for the halftime break tied 43-43.
The OKC Thunder finally got a little separation in the third period against the resilient New Orleans Pelicans. Jalen Williams led the little surge but the visitors weren't too far behind. CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III's timely shots allowed the Pelicans to stay close 74-68 after three-quarters of action.
The '90s style basketball continued throughout the fourth quarter. New Orleans just refuses to quit even without Zion Williamson and took a 90-88 lead halfway through the period. The Pelicans held the hosts without a basket for over five minutes before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 20-footer tied it with 1:36 to go.
New Orleans' next possession was a microcosm of its doggedness to let go by grabbing three offensive rebounds. It looked like the Pelicans could move ahead when Larry Nance Jr. found himself wide open four feet from the basket. Chet Holmgren, however, recovered in time to swat away the shot.
"SGA" again tormented the Pelicans by scoring a 3-pointer via the old-fashioned way to make it 93-90. CJ McCollum responded with a short jumper before the Pelicans fouled Holmgren.
The lanky forward made the game more interesting by missing the first before sinking the second free throw. With 14 seconds remaining the New Orleans Pelicans kept the door open for perhaps the biggest upset in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The OKC Thunder's defense, however, held up and forced the visitors to a bad possession. CJ McCollum's desperate 29-foot heave was way off, allowing Oklahoma to escape 94-92.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder game player stats and box scores
New Orleans Pelicans game player stats and box scores
OKC Thunder game player stats and box scores
CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams 3-pointers tonight
CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III, the New Orleans Pelicans' deadliest threat from deep, combined to make 3-for-10 in the first half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were less aggressive from the same distance. They were 0-for-3 during the same stretch.
Oklahoma's Cason Wallace came off the bench to hold McCollum to a 2-for-9 clip from deep while Murphy finished 5-for-12.
"SGA" and Williams had trouble scoring against the Pelicans' in-your-face defense. The former missed all three of his attempts from rainbow distance while the latter sunk just one of five shots.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
