Opinion
3 min read

Can Oklahoma City Thunder Continue Their Winning Streak Against New Orleans Pelicans?

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Thunder have been on a tear lately, and their recent performances suggest that they could extend their winning streak.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 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)

In Game 2 against the Pelicans on April 25th, OKC showcased a dominant performance with a staggering 124 points to NOP's 92. The efficiency game score of 108.4 for OKC was off the charts compared to NOP's 57.0, indicating a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders. With an impressive three-point percentage of 48 percent and shooting nearly 60 percent from the field overall, it's clear that OKC has found its rhythm.


The Thunder also demonstrated their prowess in Game 1 of this series on April 22nd by narrowly edging out NOP with a final score of 94-92. Despite being tied thirteen times and experiencing twenty lead changes, OKC managed to maintain composure and secure victory through strategic plays and solid defense.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 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 Martin McGrew/NBAE via Getty Images)

OKC's overwhelming victory over Dallas Mavericks on April 14th further cements their status as formidable contenders this season. They crushed DAL with an astonishing point differential of +49, which is reflective in both teams' offensive ratings: OKC at an impressive offensive rating of approximately125 while DAL lagged behind at around80.


The upcoming game presents another opportunity for Oklahoma City Thunder to assert their dominance over New Orleans Pelicans who have shown resilience but struggled with consistency throughout these playoffs. While NOP has had moments where they've shined—like achieving a free throw percentage near90 percent—their overall field goal percentage lingers around45 percent which pales in comparison to OKC’s59 percent.


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 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)

It would be remiss not to acknowledge that NOP will come into this game looking for redemption after suffering heavy defeats; however, given current form and statistics, it seems like an uphill battle against an Oklahoma City team brimming with confidence.


Thunder fans should mark their calendars for May3rd when these two teams clash again at noon Central Time in New Orleans' Smoothie King Center—a venue that might just witness another chapter in OKC’s quest for supremacy this season. Fans can catch all the action live as it unfolds right before their eyes or tune into broadcasts if they can't make it to the arena.

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