The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the regular-season series against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 123-118 win inside the Smoothie King Center on Thursday night.
It was the final game for both teams before heading into the All-Star break.
Two nights after Billy Donovan said his team had a “small margin for error” and that OKC needed everyone to play well to have a chance to win, six Thunder players turned in a double-digit performance, lead by Danilo Gallinari with 29.
Dennis Schroder once again came off the bench to score 22, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Steven Adams and Mike Muscala chipped in 17, 11, and 10, respectively.
Strong move from @gallinari8888 – 29 points (12-18 from the field). #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/M7pM8JYTfU
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 14, 2020
Chris Paul posted a double-double, chipping in 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Zion Williamson, playing in his first game against Oklahoma City this season, led all scorers with 32, topping his previous career-high of 31 from Tuesday night.
Williamson showcased yet another reason why he was chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft in the second quarter with what might be the filthiest block of the year when he swatted an Abdel Nader shot attempt into the seats.
.@Zionwilliamson with the massive block👀😳😲😱 #WontBowDown #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/XlFgknMAtY
— True Sports TV (@tsontv) February 14, 2020
But the play of the night came from Thunder center Steven Adams.
With one second left on the game clock, Adams hit a 70-foot heave to beat the buzzer and send Oklahoma City into halftime with a 66-58 lead.
It was the first 3-pointer of Adams’ career and he responded with a little shoulder shimmy before celebrating with teammates as he left the court.
Can't decide what's more impressive: tossing a basketball one-handed with an effortless flick of the wrist from 70 feet out…..
….or those shimmy skills. 😍 @RealStevenAdams | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/ToiifxKjZ1
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 14, 2020
With the win, Oklahoma City improves to 33-22 overall and 16-10 on the road.
Per the Thunder, Thursday night’s win is the eighth road victory in a row, tying an Oklahoma City franchise record.
8th consecutive road victory (ties the Thunder record). #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/scrhwwr2jT
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 14, 2020
The Thunder will step away from regular-season action for All-Star Weekend where OKC will be represented by both Gilgeous-Alexander in the Skills Challenge and the Rising Stars Game, and Chris Paul, who will be making his 10th All-Star Game appearance.
Oklahoma City is back in action next Friday, Feb. 21 when they host the Denver Nuggets.