Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort headlined the do-or-die win.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting. Giddey had 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Dort scored a season-high 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 4-of-8 from 3.
Let’s look at some of the best photos from the Thunder’s five-point win over the Pelicans as they inch closer to a playoff berth.
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Richardson (2) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talks to guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against Josh Richardson #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) looks to pass against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25), right, and center Jaxson Hayes (10) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans dance team performs during a time out in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) grabs a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) attempt to keep guard Josh Giddey (3) from getting near the New Orleans Pelicans after being run into on a play during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) talks to New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) after a play during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) holds back guard Josh Giddey (3) after being run into by New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Richardson (not pictured) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) holds back guard Josh Giddey (3) after being run into by New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Richardson (not pictured) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) holds back guard Josh Giddey (3) after being run into by New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Richardson (2) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) hits Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots a jump shot over New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans fans reacts to a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Orleans Pelicans fans react to a foul called against the Pelicans in during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault with referee Sean Corbin (33) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) reacts to being called for a blocking foul on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), not pictured, during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is congratulated by forward Jalen Williams (8) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) after being fouled by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) shoots a jump shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green reacts from the sideline during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a jump shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots a three point basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) steps away from the leaping block attempt of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) blocks the shot of New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) as he drives to the basket during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) dunks the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) goes for a rebound against New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) and center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) hi-fives guard Josh Giddey (3) during player announcements against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shoes worn by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Lindy Waters III (12) during the warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) during the warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans governor Gayle Benson shakes hands with fans during the warm ups before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shoes worn by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shoes worn by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Oklahoma City Thunder shooting coach Chip Engelland (right) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Tre Mann (23) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Lindy Waters III (12) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Pelicans logo at mid court before the Play-In game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Play-In signage on the court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shirts on the seats before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the NBA Play-In signage on the court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the signage on the court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Josh Richardson #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks as Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates a 3-point shot during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Head coach Willie Green of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jonas Valanciunas #17 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans go for a rebound during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against Jonas Valanciunas #17 and Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots over Naji Marshall #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 12, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
