Game 2 dominance: 3 key takeaways as the OKC Thunder go up 2-0 vs the Pelicans

After a tumultuous Game 1 performance, the OKC Thunder emerged in Game 2 with a renewed burst. 

Almost everything clicked for the club -- Shots fell, defensive coverages were crisp, and the team’s slew of scorers delivered. No matter how young they were, Oklahoma city looked like a well-oiled machine versus New Orleans. 

In stark contrast to their series-opening victory, the Thunder dealt the Pelicans a lopsided 124-92 beatdown to preserve homecourt advantage and take a 2-0 lead with them heading back to New Orleans for Game 3. 

For some, the Thunder’s opening display, despite the win, was too close for a 1-vs-8 playoff series, as it appeared they may have neglected how good the Pelicans were during the regular season. 

Game 2 was different.

The top-rank team displayed everything most fans expected from them against the eighth seed. Oklahoma City clicked throughout the night as fans inside the Paycom Center erupted at every shot made by the team. 

"I think it just goes back to us prioritizing winning,” Thunder’s superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said regarding the lofty expectations they get. “And all those things are distractions that get in the way of winning. And every night, all 15 of us go to bed and want to win the next game, want to win the next day. And we do everything we can to do so."

Certainly, the Thunder flexed the vigor most number one seeds in history possessed. 

Here are some key takeaways from the dominant victory.