Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Impress NBA Fans as OKC Takes 3-0 Lead on Pelicans
April 27, 2024
The Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, winning Game 3 by the final score of 106-85.
After leading by four points at the end of the opening quarter, the Thunder did not fall behind throughout the rest of the game. New Orleans cut the deficit to just one point in the second quarter, although Oklahoma City quickly responded with an impressive 14-0 run before holding a 60-46 advantage at the half.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to produce in the playoffs, dropping 24 points and dishing out eight assists in 37 minutes of action. He held his own on the defensive end of the floor as well, racking up four steals.
He received some help from Jalen Williams, as the 23-year-old wing added 21 points and nine rebounds while recording five assists of his own. Meanwhile, rookie standout Chet Holmgren totaled a game-high four blocks.
Fans were amazed by Gilgeous-Alexander, as Oklahoma City is now on the verge of winning its first playoff series since 2016:
New Orleans has struggled to find an efficient top scorer after star forward Zion Williamson went down with a hamstring injury during the play-in tournament. C.J. McCollum led New Orleans with 22 shot attempts on Saturday, although he connected on just seven of them.
If the Thunder are able to win Game 4, they'll secure the organization's first playoff series sweep since 2012.