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The Oklahoma City Thunder remain in New Orleans tonight for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Pelicans with a commanding 3-0 lead. The Thunder have dominated the last two games, outscoring the Pelicans by a combined 47 points.
Key Storylines:
- Thunder’s dominance: OKC has gotten hot as the series progressed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the way, averaging 30 points per game, but the Thunder have received balanced scoring with Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey chipping in over 20 points each in Game 3. They’ve also clamped down defensively, limiting New Orleans’ scoring options with stellar defense, particularly from Lu Dort on Brandon Ingram.
- Pelicans in desperation mode: New Orleans faces an uphill battle. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit. Their offense has sputtered, shooting a dismal 40% from the field and under 30% from three. CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III, who replaced the injured Zion Williamson, haven’t been able to consistently generate offense.
- Will Green have a miracle cure? Pelicans coach Willie Green needs to find a way to spark his team’s offense and counter the Thunder’s defensive pressure. Can they muster some semblance of effort and avoid a sweep?
X-Factors:
- Fast Start for OKC: If the Thunder can jump out to a quick lead and force an early New Orleans timeout, it could demoralize the Pelicans and pave the way for another blowout win.
- Pelican Pride: Despite the odds, New Orleans will try to avoid the embarrassment of a sweep. Their effort and fight in the early minutes will be crucial.
Other Notes:
- The Thunder will wear their blue uniforms, while the Pelicans will sport their city edition threads with a blacked-out Smoothie King Center.
- Mark Daigneault won Coach of the Year honors on Sunday.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 115, New Orleans Pelicans 98
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