Thunder Crush Pelicans

OKC 137 NOP 101

Like an empty Dr. Pepper to the can crusher, so were the New Orleans Pelicans (12-41) forced into the Oklahoma City Thunder's (43-9) defensive grip. I've written that recap before for a helpless team against the all-time OKC defense. But as of late, the offense has been overwhelming, too.

Aaron Wiggins (24 points on 13 shots) kept Wiggsanity Wigginsanity saving basketball going for the month of February, Chet Holmgren (25 minutes played, up a few from his first game back) loosened up for 12 points to go with his 5 blocks, Alex Caruso shot 4-5 from three, et cetera. The Thunder shot shot 53.6% from the floor and 52.9% from three through the third quarter, going up 102-78 and giving Shai (31 points on 20 shots, ho hum) and the starters+ another fourth quarter rest.

Victory Cigars on Victory Cigars on Victory Cigars

Thunder fans are somewhat split on Jaylin Williams' value to the team (isn't it nice to argue about the 8th spot in the rotation again?), but I think we can all agree that 23 minutes of JWill, 18 for Dillon Jones, and six apiece for the 3 Heatcheck Muskateers–Adam Flagler (on a rare great shooting night for him, he drained 1-4 from deep) Branden Carlson and Alex Ducas–is a good sign for OKC.

OKC is now 8 up on Memphis for the #1 seed in the West, and a half game up on the Cavaliers overall.

Next up: The Heat come to town on Wednesday for the first night of a back-to-back ahead of the All-Star break.