On January 27, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling NBA game. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 29 points, secured a 104-95 victory, avoiding their first three-game losing streak of the season. With key players like Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso sidelined due to injuries, the Thunder's depth was tested. Despite this, they showcased resilience, with Gilgeous-Alexander's 20-point streak extending to 118 consecutive games, the second-longest in NBA history. The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson's 21 points and Saddiq Bey's double-double, put up a fight, but the Thunder's defense and Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch performance proved too much to handle.
The game's climax saw rising tensions, with technical fouls issued to Bey and Jaylin Williams for a scuffle. In the final seconds, a heated exchange between Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort, both with Oklahoma ties, required intervention from officials. The game's early stages were tight, with the Thunder missing their first eight shots while the Pelicans struggled from the start, making only one of their first nine attempts. However, Dort's three-pointer in the second quarter gave the Thunder a 48-46 lead at halftime, setting the tone for their eventual victory.
The Thunder's momentum continued in the third quarter, with Chet Holmgren's three-pointer extending their lead to 74-64. Dort's shooting prowess showcased his impact, as his three-pointers in quick succession pushed the lead to 88-73. The Pelicans, however, mounted a comeback, fueled by Fears' long-range shooting, narrowing the gap to 92-87. Despite the Pelicans' efforts, Dort's fourth three-pointer sealed the deal, making it 98-87 with 3:26 left. The Thunder's next games will be against Memphis and Minnesota, providing opportunities for further growth and improvement.
