The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spot in the second round of the NBA Playoffs after sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans with a 97-89 victory in Game 4 at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday (PHL time).
The win completed a series sweep and marked the top-seeded Thunder's first advancement to the next round in nearly a decade. OKC also became the youngest team to win a playoff series in NBA history.
After tonight’s 97-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Oklahoma City Thunder becomes the youngest team to win a playoff series in @NBA history. pic.twitter.com/7eD07ToE8A
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 30, 2024
Despite a tight contest for the initial 36 minutes, the Pelicans gained momentum early in the fourth quarter, holding a one-point lead entering the final period.
However, the Thunder swiftly responded with an 8-0 run, fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Josh Giddey.
Giddey pulls up and cashes in once again 🎯 pic.twitter.com/q0GIcY0XgV
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 30, 2024
Building on this momentum, they extended their run to 18-2, limiting the Pelicans to just one field goal for the remainder of the game.
With a mere 18 points scored by the Pelicans in the fourth quarter, the Thunder sealed the win, marking their first series victory since the 2015-16 season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Williams contributed 24 points and eight rebounds.
Giddey added 14 points, all of which came from four crucial 3-pointers during the final run.
The Pelicans struggled offensively throughout the game, especially with Zion Williamson sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in their first play-in tournament game.
Shooting woes plagued New Orleans, as they managed to convert only 3-of-19 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half.
CJ McCullom led the Pelicans with 20 points in the loss, while Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Brandon Ingram, meanwhile, struggled from the field as he finished with eight points on 2-of-14 shooting from the field.
OKC now awaits the winner of the first-round series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks.
