Game 3 Pregame Primer: Thunder (2-0) @ Pelicans (0-2)
Game Info
NBA.com preview | Tip-off: 2:30pm, Smoothie King Center | Broadcast: TNT, Bally Sports OK
3 Big Things
Thunder Journal: Game 3 Big Things
The Thunder are up 2-0 in a playoff series for the first time since 2013. As they aim to go up 3-0 in Game 3, here’s a trifecta of observations from the opening round so far. So far, so very good The 2014 Western Conference Finals team led by Kevin
- So far, so very good. Neither inexperience nor the bright lights of the playoffs have seemed to be a factor for the youngest #1 seed in NBA history. Despite the hot take narrative, the Thunder through two games are thoroughly beating the “weakest #1 seed of all time” allegations.
- The Big
34. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has looked every bit the part of a top-3 MVP finalist so far in the playoffs. Chet Holmgren has been absolutely dominant on both sides of the court. Jalen Williams has continued his transformation into an NBA star. But let’s hear it for Lu Dort. Lu has locked down the Pelicans’ #1 scoring option and that has been the biggest key to OKC holding New Orleans to only 92 points in back to back games. Pelicans fans, close your eyes for this one: Dort has hit 6 of 10 three pointers so far in the series. That’s 6 more three pointers than Brandon Ingram. - Loud City is all the way back. “It's so loud now, I can't even hear anything... You get goosebumps while you’re playing.” - Jalen Williams
Prediction
A Thunder blowout. 3-0 and the opportunity to sweep and keep their youth and energy all the way on tap for the next round.
Follow along with us in the comments.