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Overtime Battle at Paycom Center: Oklahoma City Thunder Narrowly Fall to New Orleans Pelicans

In a closely contested match at the Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder's record now stands at 14-19 after a hard-fought game against the New Orleans Pelicans, who improved their season to 20-12. The final score read 128-125 in favor of the visiting team.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 23: Tre Mann #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 23, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Thunder started off trailing in the first half, scoring 23 points in each of the initial two quarters. However, they surged back with an impressive 31 points in the third and continued their offensive push with another strong performance of 35 points in the fourth quarter. This late-game rally forced an overtime showdown.


During overtime, despite a valiant effort that saw them put up another 13 points against their opponents' relentless attack, it wasn't enough to secure victory. The Pelicans managed to outscore them by three additional points during this decisive period.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over two New Orleans Pelicans defenders during the game on December 23, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The home team showcased some notable statistics throughout this intense clash. They were particularly effective on fast breaks, converting eight out of eleven attempts into a significant tally of 20 points. Their efforts inside were also commendable as they scored an impressive total of 66 points in paint from their attempts.


On defense, Oklahoma City managed five blocks and nine steals but ultimately fell short as they allowed New Orleans to score heavily from both field goals and free throws. The visitors made good use of their opportunities at the charity stripe with an accuracy rate rounding up to about eighty-two percent on forty attempts.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 23: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 23, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Despite losing by three points overall after five quarters of play including overtime, there were positive takeaways for Oklahoma City fans regarding individual performances and team resilience shown throughout this challenging matchup against one of their conference rivals.


Looking ahead for Oklahoma City Thunder fans, attention turns toward an upcoming encounter with San Antonio Spurs scheduled for December 27th at Paycom Center where supporters can tune into BSOK or CW35 networks for live coverage starting at seven o'clock PM local time. This next home game presents another opportunity for Thunder players and coaches alike to regroup and aim for success on their own court before a dedicated fan base eager for victory.

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