The 2023 NBA Play-In tournament has already been wild. The Raptors missed 18 free throws in a loss to the Bulls. Meanwhile, the Lakers needed overtime to secure playoff basketball. Elsewhere, the Heat couldn't keep pace with the Hawks. The amount of shocks, antics, and upsets are already off the charts. If the playoffs are anything like the Play-Ins, NBA fans can expect two months of heart palpitations.
In the West's do-or-die match, the OKC Thunder took on the Zion Willamson-less New Orleans Pelicans. Without Williamson, Trey Murphy and Brandon Ingram would need to lead the Pelicans past a young and hungry Thunder roster. Meanwhile, the ten-seed Thunder were hoping to shock the Pelicans at home. However, the Thunder had struggled against New Orleans this season, going 1-3 in four games. The loser would be starting their offseason. Meanwhile, the winner would get one more chance to reach the playoffs.
Thunder Outclasses New Orleans
In front of a packed Smoothie King Center, it looked like the home team Pelicans would be moving on. Thunder team leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up just seven points in the first half behind a constant double and triple-teaming effort from the Pelicans. However, the Pelicans were unable to completely dominate offensively and were only leading by seven at the half. A crucial advantage that the Pelicans did have was better play in the paint, out-rebounding the Thunder on both ends.
Despite the slim deficit, the second was all Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander put up 25 points to complete a game-total 31 from teammate Josh Giddey. The Thunder's second half was enough to hold off the Pelicans, and 20 second-half points from Ingram. The Pelicans had a chance to send the game to overtime as time expired but Herbert Jones threw away a crucial inbound pass. Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with a total 32 points. Ingram led the Pelicans with 30. The tenth-seeded Thunder moved on and will face the Timberwolves for the West's eighth seed. It marks the end of a disappointing season for New Orleans, who were completely derailed by losing Zion Williamson yet again. Williamson has now missed 60% of his young NBA career to injury.
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