OKC Thunder edge the New Orleans Pelicans- 3 takeways

OKC Thunder bench provides a much-needed boost

Hamidou Diallo and Mike Muscala indeed led the way as the OKC bench scored 40 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. Hami has been extremely impressive this season as he plays the role of the sixth man. Diallo scored nine points in 20 minutes of play but is still performing at a high level around the basket.

Mike Muscala has added to his breakout year with another massive game. The Bucknell product poured in 18 points in 20 minutes and had a heat check after hitting back to back 3-pointers during the 4th quarter.

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The bench had other notable contributors as the other display of youth was on show as Theo Maledon, and Kenrich Williams looked very active in Wednesday night’s outing.

Theo played 19 minutes, shooting 2 of 4 from the field and 2 of 2 from behind the arc. Isaiah Roby gave an added boost with five points in 10 minutes of play.

The OKC Thunder produced a lovely game Wednesday night. If the club can keep up the ability to get out in transition, it will be exciting to watch.

However, it will be paramount to monitor 3-point shooting moving forward. OKC will continue to shoot the ball from beyond the arc and live with the results, but the ability to play suffocating defense with the tendency to run in transition will be the keys to this young team’s success moving forward.

The Thunder look to take down the Knicks on Friday night as the road trip continues to Madison Square Garden.