After missing an opportunity to steal Game 1 on the road, the New Orleans Pelicans looked to even the series on Wednesday night against the top seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Pelicans were all aboard the Jonas Valanciunas train early in the game as the big man scored the team’s first 11 points of the contest. Shortly after, the Thunder went on a run to take a 35-22 lead at the end of the first quarter with Chet Holmgren having a strong start to the game as well.
New Orleans had a strong run in the second quarter to tighten the gap, but OKC still managed to hold a 13-point lead at the half at 63-50. Holmgren had 20 points in the first half, a career-high for a half and the second most from a rookie in the Playoffs all time.
In the third quarter, the Pelicans continued to play from behind, not having much of an answer for what Oklahoma City was doing offensively. However, New Orleans did cut the deficit to 15 points with 3:30 remaining in the quarter. However, Shai Gilegous-Alexander and Holmgren led the Thunder to a 92-74 lead after three complete quarters.
The fourth quarter got out of hand quickly as the Thunder went on a 21-10 run to take a sizable 113-84 lead with five minutes remaining.
The Pelicans couldn’t make it any closer in the closing moments as they fell behind 0-2 in the series with a 124-92 loss.
BIG NUMBER: 30
The Thunder starting five was incredible, combining for 108 points including 33 from Alexander and 26 from Holmgren. New Orleans had a solid 78 from its starters, but still not good enough to tie the series.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Chet Holmgren/SGA
The potential Rookie of the Year and MVP were both incredible as Holmgren had 26 points, 7 rebounds and a pair of blocks. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points on 13-19 shooting with 5 assists.
UP NEXT: Game 3 will be in New Orleans beginning at 2:30 Saturday afternoon as the Thunder will look to take a 3-0 lead while the Pelicans will look to stop the bleeding on their home floor.