OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder were unable to complete the 21-point comeback win against the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, falling 128-125 in overtime.
As has been the story all season, the Thunder used a strong third quarter to make a run and force the Pelicans to earn a win. It was quite evident to see why the Thunder have the best third-quarter net rating at 13.8. They outscored the Pelicans, 31-16, in the 12-minute period.
The Thunder had an opportunity to win with 25.1 seconds left in the tied game. Tre Mann, who recently returned from a dominating two-game trip at the G League, had a chance to end his adventurous three days with a game-winner.
Mann totaled 75 points during two G League games the two nights prior. The hope was the assignment would provide a quick confidence boost for a struggling Mann.
Mann drained the entire 25 seconds and missed a driving layup.
Although Mann missed, the Thunder were comfortable with him taking the shot.
“I could’ve fought harder late in the clock to go get it, but with that being said, I trusted Tre for sure,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I trust his one-on-one game.”
To the Pelicans’ credit, the final play was designed for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a career-high 44 points. Instead, they did a great job denying Gilgeous-Alexander the ball, and Mann had to take the final shot.
The Pelicans won in overtime thanks to a 15-8 barrage to start the five-minute period.
Without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the rest of the Pelicans roster stepped up.
Seven of the 10 who played for the Pelicans scored double-digit points. Trey Murphy III led the way with 23 points, and Jaxson Hayes had 21. Both played huge roles in overtime: They combined to score 10 of the Pelicans’ 16 points. C.J. McCollum recorded 17 points and 11 assists for a double-double.
Let’s take a look at Thunder player grades.