The New Orleans Pelicans were inconsistent with their outside shooting, so they relied on rebounding to rally against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
CJ McCollum had 29 points and 11 rebounds, and the Pelicans overcame a 22-point deficit to defeat the Thunder 110-106 on Wednesday night.
New Orleans scored 27 points on 22 offensive rebounds to offset 13 of 42 3-point shooting. The Pelicans won despite missing leading scorer Brandon Ingram, who was out with right knee soreness. They bounced back from a 130-102 loss to Golden State on Monday.
“Just challenging our group so we can be better,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said. “We know that. And we have to dig in sometimes and get wins, especially when guys are out. Rebounding is a big factor for us. When we rebound offensively, it gives us extra looks. Right now, our offense in requires.
McCollum led by example and set the tone, Green said.
“He really trusted his teammates,” Green said. “He had confidence in the offense. He was solid defensively, he had 11 rebounds. Our team responded, and that’s what it takes.
Zion Williamson added 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Pelicans, who improved to 3-1.
Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points, but he missed a 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left that would have given the Thunder the lead. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Gilgeous-Alexander slightly hyperextended his left knee during the game, but played until the end and was fine.
Chet Holmgren added 19 points and 11 rebounds and Jalen Williams added 18 points for the Thunder, who made just 7 for 34 3-pointers.
Holmgren said the Pelicans are working for their boards.
“They really put in a lot of effort,” he said. “This is the most important key to getting offensive rebounds. If you don’t try, you won’t succeed. »
Josh Giddey scored 10 points in the first 6:20 of the game. The Thunder led 33-14 after one quarter as the Pelicans made just one of 12 3-pointers.
“In the first quarter, I thought they missed a few shots,” Daigneault said. “We had a very good team rhythm. I think we did a good job on defense as well. We forced them to adopt a sort of plan B, so to speak.
Giddey got the crowd moving in the second with a pass from beyond the 3-point line to Ousmane Dieng for a dunk that gave the Thunder a 39-20 advantage. Oklahoma City eventually pushed the lead to 47-25.
New Orleans started shooting better and reduced the deficit, but the Thunder still led 51-43 at the break.
“We did a good job early on of really stopping the ball and preventing him from finding the shooters,” Holmgren said. “And in the second quarter, they managed to do it. They found the shooters and shot three of them. And the three of them increase the score very quickly.
The Pelicans started the second half hot and Jonas Valanciunas scored a three-pointer to give New Orleans a 59-58 lead. The Pelicans took a 78-77 lead into the fourth quarter.
New Orleans went on a 14-4 run to go up 92-81 before Oklahoma City rallied to get closer at the end.
FOLLOWING
Pelicans: Host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
Thunder: Host the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
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