OKC Thunder dominated the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2 of the first-round series to grab a 124-92 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up for the young side as he scored 33 points on a highly efficient 68.4% shooting from the field. He was well-supported by rookie Chet Holmgren who dropped 26 points on the night.
The OKC Thunder were looking dominant right from the tip-off as they scored 35 points in the first half. Pelicans did not have any answer to what the Thunder were doing and this led to yet another disappointing loss. Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones and Brandon Ingram scored 19, 18 and 18 points respectively, but that was not enough to stop the dominance of the Thunder side.
Led by MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder have played great defense throughout the series. They have managed to contain the likes of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram from taking control of the game. Shai has been playing like a star but so has every member of the OKC Thunder as they have actively contributed so far in the playoffs. Having secured a 2-0 lead in the series, they will be confident to clinch the first round thereby proving the haters that a young side can make it work if the fit is right.
OKC Thunder’s path to the NBA Finals is not going to be easy
It will be very difficult to bet against the OKC Thunder in their series against the Pelicans. They have a solid 2-0 lead and are too good to drop four games and lose the series. Their hopes are to win a championship but for that, they will have to overcome the other challengers in the West.
If the OKC Thunder manage to beat the Pels, their next matchup is against the winner of the Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers series. A positive sign is that the young teams were able to win the regular season series against both those teams. However, playoffs are a different ball game and it will be interesting to see how the Thunder perform against more experienced opponents in the postseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be key to OKC Thunder’s chances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated his game to a different level this season. The Canadian star has averaged 30.1 PPG on an efficient 53.5% shooting from the field. With him at point guard, the OKC Thunder managed to secure the first seed with a 57-25 record. Shai’s unwavering confidence and ability to lead a young side has helped him become one of the three finalists in the MVP race.
His performances in the last two playoff games have shown that he is not afraid of the big stage. The OKC Thunder have to get across the line against some big teams before they can make it to the NBA Finals. However, this team can only go as far as Shai can take them. He is their main facilitator and in his absence, they might struggle. Although he would love to be awarded as the MVP, Shai’s eyes are on the bigger prize. Not many are picking them to win it all due to their lack of experience, but this Thunder team has the Thunder that can steer them to the finish.
