The New Orleans Pelicans, needing a victory against the Thunder, did all they could to fight-off this Western Conference foe.
The New Orleans Pelicans and the OKC Thunder did battle on Easter Sunday as both teams desperately needed the win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
San Antonio defeated the Houston Rockets earlier in the day 100-83, securing the fourth place spot for now. A win would have helped the Pelicans move up from the eighth spot to as high as the fourth.
However, that simply was not the case. The OKC Thunder would prevail behind a triple-double from Russell Westbrook 109-104
The Pelicans jumped out to an early 28-20 lead after the end of the first quarter. The New Orleans Pelicans shot the three-ball well in the first quarter going 5-of-11. OKC would open the second quarter on an 11-5 push to take a two-point lead from 10 back at 35-33 with 8:52 left in the second.
The Pelicans had difficulty containing Paul George throughout the game. He dropped 19 points by halftime. Anthony Davis started the game in a shooting slump for the second straight game. Davis was just 5-of-12 by halftime for 12 points.
He would finish the game with 25 on 8-of-17 shooting. Granted, Davis has played well throughout February and March, however, he simply didn’t bring it today. He missed easy lob dunks and looked flat throughout the game.
Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday were no-shows against OKC
Jrue Holiday was also MIA during the first half as only took 2 shots for three points. The second quarter of this game was ugly for Holiday as well. He finished the game shooting just 4-of-10 from the floor. There was no offensive rhythm for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ian Clark was instrumental off the bench with 11 first-half points. Rajon Rondo also played well during the first half with nine points. Luckily, the Thunder struggled on the offensive side of the ball as well. The OKC Thunder led at halftime 53-50.
Pelicans committed 12 turnovers by halftime, the OKC Thunder gave the Pelicans every chance to get back into this game. The Pelicans were always within striking distance, they just couldn’t close the gap on OKC.
This game is solely on the stars and role players. Holiday and Davis have to play better. Furthermore, Davis has to get the ball more. The effort just wasn’t there by the Pelicans in this game. A game that was considered a must-win by most experts.
Last night, Denver defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, putting them one step closer to overthrowing the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Pelicans cannot fall asleep at the wheel if they expect to make the postseason. Denver is a full game behind New Orleans.
Next: Pelicans in a must-win against OKC
The Pelicans next two games are against Memphis on Wednesday and Phoenix on Friday. These are must wins before taking on Golden State, Los Angeles, and San Antonio to close out the regular season.