The Thunder shut out the Pelicans from the start

The clash of extremes left no room for surprise. Moving on the floor the weakest team in the WestThe Thunder won without batting an eye (109-126) behind the good performances of their leaders Chet Holmgren (26 points and 9 rebounds) and Shay Gilgeous-Alexander (23 points).

As soon as it started, this match looked like it was already over as the reigning champions choked out their opponent in the first quarter. The Pelicans defense chose to ignore Lou Dort who didn’t hesitate to shoot four 3-pointers, each open, in the first twelve minutes.

A first quarter display of collective strength that kept the ball rolling fluidly on the Thunder side – such as this miracle back pass signed Isaiah Joe for Isaiah Hartenstein’s uncontested dunk – where the locals had all the trouble in the world to express themselves offensively, losing several possessions (six in six minutes).

Fears of the Sunaga

With Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole and Saddik Bey all out, NOLA had to rely on their rookie Jeremiah Fears who, despite the defensive pressure applied by Dort, was able to find his way to the circle. He was one of the few in his training who could do that.

This was of course insufficient to allow James Borrego’s men to maintain the pace set by the visitors. After 12 minutes, the latter has already scored 49 points, with an advantage of 25 points (24-49). Despite a few bursts of pride from the home team in the second quarter, the rest will be just a formality for OKC.

Reduced to 13 units at the break (56-69), the deficit will increase to 25 points 12 minutes later (80-105) after two long shots from “SGA”.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– “SGA” is still in the fridge. After being mobilized throughout the third quarter, the Thunder superstar did not have to leave his team’s bench during the final twelve minutes of the game. Recently mentioned luxuries including Mark Daigneault does not deprive himself. We remind you that after a total of 15 games played, the Canadian only participated in… six quarters.

– Six wins, six losses. By winning this way, the reigning champions offer themselves a 6th straight victory and add to their near-perfect record at the start of the season (14 wins – 1 loss), which will likely be improved with a soft schedule to come (Kings, Jazz, Blazers). The exact opposite dynamic for their tonight opponents who suffered their 6th straight loss, and remained last in the West (2 wins – 12 losses) before hosting the Nuggets on Wednesday.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.