The Pelicans’ late-game struggles cost the team once again on Thursday as New Orleans fell to the Thunder to close the first half of the regular season, 123-118.
The Good: Zion Williamson
One game after setting a career-high in points with 31 against the Trail Blazers, Zion Williamson upped it with 32 points against the Thunder. The match-up was certainly tougher as he often found himself against Steven Adams. But Williamson wasn’t deterred and attacked the rim with the same ferocity as ever, getting to the line 13 times on the night.
He also grabbed three offensive rebounds, hit 11 of his 19 field goals and was a menace all night.
Honorable mentions: Danilo Gallinari’s fourth quarter, JJ Redick’s threes
The Bad: Clutch minutes
As discussed in the preview of the game, if the game came down to the wire tonight, it was going to pit the best team in the league in clutch situations against one of the league’s worst. And that played out on the court.
In a close game late, the Thunder continually worked the ball to a red-hot Gallinari in mismatches, typically against Lonzo Ball, and got basket after basket. The Pelicans rushed their offense and took uncharacteristic shots like Ball’s pull-up three-pointer off the ball screen or Nicolo Melli’s deep spot-up three-pointer.
Honorable mentions: Turnovers, Brandon Ingram’s unavailability
The Ball: Strong showing from range
Ball broke out of a mini shooting slump with a strong performance from range, finishing with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep. He also missed his lone two-point attempt. Ball also added six rebounds and five assists in 35 minutes of action.
He hit a particularly clutch three-pointer for one of the few baskets down the stretch for the Pelicans.
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