Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander inspire Thunder to knock out Pelicans

The Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a 123-118 victory away against the New Orleans Pelicans in the early hours of Thursday, April 13, 2023.

The 10th-placed Thunder were poised to knock out a Pelicans team missing star Zion Williamson.

The Thunder the second youngest team in the NBA, were involved in a back-and-forth quarter to establish a three-point lead.

The Pelicans' second unit put up 34 points as they roared back in the second quarter to take a six-point lead to the halftime break.

After a slow first half, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got it going in the third quarter leading the Thunder to 39 points and establishing a nine-point lead.

The Pelicans' second unit again started the fourth quarter with intensity with straight seven points.

Both teams continue to trade buckets late in the game. The Thunder put the ball in Gilgeous-Alexander's hand and he delivered in the clutch with a basket and free throws to record a five-point victory.

Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander were both important for the Thunder in the victory away against the Pelicans.

Giddey just 20 years old was impressive almost recording a triple-double in his first postseason outing.

In 43 minutes of action, Giddey put up 31 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and one block.

He made 11 of 22 shots including three of seven from three-point range and six of seven from the free-throw line.

Gilgeous-Alexander put up 32 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks in 42 minutes of action.

He made 11 of his 22 shots, including two of five from three-point range, and was a perfect eight from the free-throw line.

Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander speak on performance against Pelicans After the game, Giddey was full of praise for the young Thunder team.

He said, "Credit to the group. It was a resilient night. 

"They kept making runs, they kept going in front with a couple of minutes left, but we stuck with it and grinded it out. 

A big win in a tough environment to play in." 

Gilgeous-Alexander also talked about how the Thunder were able to execute down the stretch.

He added, “We knew this time of year it was going to be a 48-minute basketball game. 

"Both teams are going to want the game extremely bad and it came down to habits and and making plays.” 

Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey return to action when the Thunder travel to face the Timberwolves that lost to the Lakers for the eighth seed in the western conference.