3 Takeaways from the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 loss to the OKC Thunder

The Pick-and-Roll

The Thunder put on a masterclass in the pick-and-roll, which opened up easy buckets in the paint and wide open three-point looks on the perimeter. Both Paul and Dennis Schroder got into the lane with impunity off picks. Paul was able to set up teammates and score when he needed to, while Schroder poured in 22 points, including 7-7 from the free throw line. It seemed like Paul and Schroder spent the entire night in the lane and the Thunder ended with a 54-42 advantage on points in the paint.

The pick-and-roll didn’t just get the Thunder buckets in the paint. They shot a blistering 48.1% from three-point range, knocking down 13, many of them wide open. Though the Pelicans netted 14, it took them eight more attempts to get them. Danilo Gallinari ended with 29 points, hitting three of five from behind the arc. Mike Muscala also hit a pair, both off the pick-and-roll. Because they have multiple big men who can shoot and a genius point guard, the Thunder’s PNR is one of the toughest in league to stop.

It was a frustrating loss for the Pelicans, who have now dropped the season series 3-0 to the Thunder. A win before the All-Star break would have been ideal, but the Pelicans showed who they are, an exciting team with a lot of heart who still have some learning to do.