2 key factors that will lead to a Thunder Game 3 victory over Pelicans

Lu Dort continues stellar defense 

The Dorture Chamber deployed by the Thunder has claimed yet another victim.

Through two contests, Brandon Ingram is averaging just 15 points per game on 37 percent shooting from the field. New Orleans often ran their offense through him to open the series -- he had 67 touches and 12 potential assists in Game 1.

However, those numbers plummeted to 49 and 5, respectively, in Game 2. 

Ingram is arguably their best playmaker, and the lengthy veteran owns a polished, efficient scoring arsenal. Unfortunately for New Orleans, Lu Dort’s hounding defense has essentially neutralized Ingram’s impact.

That’s a massive blow because their offense is already on life support without former All-Star Zion Williamson on the court. 

The Pelicans have scored only 92 points in both games, and their outlook appears grim should Ingram continue to disappear on offense. CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Jonas Valanciunas simply don’t possess the chops to go toe-to-toe with the Thunder, so Ingram must come alive for New Orleans.

Otherwise, this series could be a sweep.

Considering that Ingram has always struggled with physical defenders that can play up into him and hold a strong base, Dort is a nightmare matchup for him. Overall, the Dorture Chamber will be a huge reason why Oklahoma City takes a 3-0 series lead.