Opinion
3 min read

New Orleans Pelicans Set to Unleash Offensive Fury on Oklahoma City Thunder

As the New Orleans Pelicans gear up for their next encounter with the Oklahoma City Thunder, fans are eagerly anticipating a game that could be a defining moment in their season. The Pelicans, coming off a nail-biting game against the Thunder on April 22nd where they fell short by just two points, are looking to assert themselves and even the score.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before tipoff against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

In their previous matchup, despite an impressive 60 rebounds and a solid defensive effort with six blocks and seven steals, NOP struggled with field goal efficiency at only 38 percent. Their three-point shooting was also lackluster at 28 percent from beyond the arc. However, they showed tenacity in second-chance points with 24 and dominated in points off turnovers with 11.


The upcoming game presents an opportunity for redemption. The Pelicans have demonstrated that they can compete on both ends of the floor as evidenced by their recent victory over Sacramento Kings on April 20th. In that game, NOP's offense was firing on all cylinders; they shot an impressive 52 percent from the field and outscored their opponents in fast break points. Their ball movement was exceptional as well, dishing out 29 assists which is indicative of a team playing cohesive basketball.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

NOP's ability to control the paint will be crucial against OKC. In their win against Sacramento Kings, NOP scored a whopping 58 points in the paint compared to OKC's more modest output of 42 paint points during their last face-off against each other. If NOP can replicate this performance and maintain defensive intensity while improving shooting accuracy from downtown, there is no doubt that they have what it takes to come out victorious.


The key for New Orleans will be consistency – maintaining high energy levels throughout all four quarters and executing under pressure when it counts most. They'll need every player stepping up; this isn't just about stars like Brandon Ingram shining but about every member contributing to both offensive execution and defensive stops.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21:  CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball during the game  against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead at what promises to be an electrifying showdown at Smoothie King Center on April 29th at noon local time (1:00 PM ET), fans should expect nothing less than full-throttle basketball from tip-off until final buzzer sounds. With home-court advantage this time around for NOP, supporters can fill up Smoothie King Center creating an atmosphere ripe for revenge against OKC.


Fans not able to attend can catch all action live where coverage will surely capture every pivotal play as New Orleans Pelicans seek retribution against Oklahoma City Thunder – don't miss it!

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