OKC Thunder stave off short handed New Orleans Pelicans 122-116, Topic: Thunder with the recap

OKC Thunder overcomes free throw struggles to shut down upset-minded New Orleans Pelicans 122-116, winning their fourth straight game.

What a night for the OKC Thunder. Prior to tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the NBA on TNT Tip-Off Show, the starters for the NBA All-Star game were announced. A familiar name was included in the lineup, a name that has been linked to such awards as the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, none other than Paul George.

Despite George hitting his first three shots (all 3-pointers), he was visibly off tonight. Finishing the game eight of eighteen shooting from the field, including six of ten from the 3-point line, and an uncharacteristic one of three from the free throw line.

Not to mention, a recently hot shooting Terrance Ferguson and consistent contributor Jerami Grant combined for twelve of twenty-nine shooting, going a combined four of twelve from deep.

Normally that would spell “doom” for the OKC Thunder. However, they can flex a couple other All-Star caliber players. Russell Westbrook finished his sixth career game with at least fifteen points, fifteen rebounds, and fifteen assists. Wrapping up his night with twenty-three points, seventeen rebounds, sixteen assists to just four turnovers, and two steals. Steven Adams took complete and total advantage of the withered Pelicans frontcourt on his way to twenty points and thirteen rebounds.

Obviously, the Pelicans were dealt a shorthand. Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Nikola Mirotic, and Etwaun Moore were all inactive for this game. Yet they were able to dwindle a twenty-two point lead by the Thunder, all the way down to five.

Some clutch plays, and lockdown defense helped the OKC Thunder walk away victorious but not before they seemingly tried to give the game away.

To hear more about OKC’s victory, and a breakdown of the game, click below to listen to the latest Topic: Thunder podcast!

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