The Oklahoma City Thunder almost lost a big lead but managed to stay calm. Jalen Williams scored four points in the last half-minute, helping the Thunder come back with a 12-0 run in the final 2:31 to win 119-112 against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
“We don’t panic,” said Thunder player Josh Giddey, who scored 25 points. “You just need to keep your cool no matter what happens.” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points, even though he was playing with a sore quadriceps that he said has been bothering him since a game against Utah last Wednesday.
“Mostly, I just try not to think about it and focus on playing the game the best I can,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Zion Williamson had 29 points and 10 assists, and CJ McCollum scored 23 points for the Pelicans, who were losing 88-68 before making a 20-2 run to get back into the game.
Trey Murphy III’s 28-foot 3-pointer and McCollum’s floating shot gave New Orleans a 112-107 lead with 3:11 left. But the Pelicans didn’t score again, missing their last five shots.
“We were a bit stuck, and I should have asked for the ball more in those situations,” said Williamson, who didn’t take a shot in the final three minutes. But Williamson said he’s happy to be playing in important games late in the season after missing the playoffs in the past due to injuries.
“This is what competition is all about,” Williamson said. “Games like this are fun to play in. We didn’t win tonight, but games like this are what playoff basketball is like—close until the end, with teams making runs and the most disciplined team winning.”
Chet Holmgren scored 16 points for Oklahoma City, which has won five of its last six games.
“We haven’t blown leads like we did tonight,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “But you have to be able to handle different situations in a game, and our guys showed great toughness and poise in a tough environment against a strong opponent.”
Trey Murphy and Herb Jones each scored 16 points for New Orleans, which lost for the second time in eight games and dropped out of fourth place in the West.
Oklahoma City shot well in the first half, making 62.2% of their shots and 50% from 3-point range, taking a 15-point lead. Williams scored 18 of his points in the first half, helping the Thunder lead 73-58 at halftime.
