In a decisive Game 4 showdown, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a 97-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, completing a four-game sweep of their first-round playoff series.
Jalen Williams led the charge for the Thunder with a standout 24-point performance, including a pivotal 3-pointer with three minutes remaining in the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 24 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the court.
Despite trailing by five points in the fourth quarter, the Thunder rallied behind a combination of suffocating defense and efficient shooting. A crucial turning point came when Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey helped spark an 18-2 run, capped off by Williams’ clutch 3-pointer, giving Oklahoma City a commanding 93-82 lead with just over three minutes left to play.
New Orleans, missing star forward Zion Williamson throughout the series, struggled to mount a comeback. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 20 points, but their poor 3-point shooting, hitting just 23.5% from beyond the arc, hindered their efforts.
Jonas Valanciunas battled foul trouble, limiting his impact on the court to 26 minutes despite posting 19 points and 13 rebounds. Naji Marshall provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s relentless pressure.
The game remained tightly contested through three quarters, with 18 lead changes and neither team leading by more than five points. Brandon Ingram struggled with his shot, finishing with just eight points, leaving the Pelicans searching for offensive firepower in Williamson’s absence.
The Thunder now advance to the next round of the playoffs, while the Pelicans face an offseason of reflection and adjustment as they look to regroup for the next season.
