The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 49-33, faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who held a record of 57-25. The final score read 124-92 in favor of the home team at Paycom Center.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates 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)

From the opening quarter, the Pelicans found themselves trailing as they scored 22 points to the Thunder's commanding 35. Despite picking up pace and adding another 28 points in the second quarter, they were unable to close the gap significantly. The third quarter saw a similar pattern with New Orleans putting up 24 points but still lagging behind their opponents' consistent scoring. By the fourth quarter, it was clear that victory was out of reach for the Pelicans as they managed only 18 points compared to Oklahoma City's relentless attack that added another 32 points to their tally.

The statistics painted a stark picture for New Orleans fans; while their team shot at an effective field goal percentage of 50 and boasted an impressive free throw percentage rounding up to an even higher number than Oklahoma City's identical figure at approximately ninety percent accuracy, it wasn't enough. The Pelicans also showed strength inside with sixty percent shooting on two-point attempts and securing forty-six paint points.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots 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 Martin McGrew/NBAE via Getty Images)

However, turnovers proved costly for New Orleans as they gave away possession eighteen times which translated into just six points off turnovers - a stark contrast to Oklahoma City’s twenty-two. Additionally, despite fast break opportunities being nearly equal in attempts between both teams (five for NOP and eight for OKC), it was OKC who capitalized more effectively with fourteen fast break points over NOP’s six.

On defense, things didn't fare much better for NOP; their defensive rating hovered around one hundred thirty-seven compared to OKC’s one hundred which indicated struggles on that end of the floor too. Rebounding efforts were relatively close but still saw New Orleans edged out by two boards overall – thirty-seven rebounds including eight offensive ones versus OKC’s thirty-nine.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 24: Brandon Ingram #14 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead after this tough loss on enemy territory where lead changes occurred three times without any ties throughout all four quarters played under full coverage before an attendance matching Paycom Center's capacity crowd – fans can catch future action when New Orleans Pelicans host Oklahoma City Thunder once again at Smoothie King Center located in Louisiana on April twenty-seventh at two-thirty PM Central Time broadcasted across TNT and regional sports networks BSOK and BSNO.

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