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No. 1 Thunder blast Pelicans for commanding 3-0 lead

Published April 28, 2024, 9:00 AMNBA.com Philippines Staff
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One more victory will have Oklahoma City advance past the first round for the first time since the 2016 Playoffs. (Oklahoma City Thunder)
After barely just hanging on in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder have turned on the jets in Games 2 and 3.

 

The Thunder smashed the Pelicans as their Western Conference round 1 series shifted to New Orleans, taking the dominant 106-85 win Sunday (PHL).

 

OKC is now up 3-0 after the 21-point win, the West’s no. 1 seed won Game 2 by 32, after taking the series opener by just two points.

 

It was a starters game for the Thunder, with three players scoring at least 20.

 

 

 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a strong game on both ends, going for 24 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.

 

Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams had 21 apiece, while Lu Dort added another 12 points.

 

OKC took control late in the second quarter, unloading a 14-0 run in a matter of two minutes to turn a 40-39 lead into a 54-39 advantage. It was cruise control for the Thunder from then on, never threatened in the second half.

 

 

 

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 19 points.

 

The Thunder will look to close out New Orleans in Game 4. One more victory will have Oklahoma City advance past the first round for the first time since the 2016 Playoffs.