Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans were too much for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the Thunder lost to the Pelicans 109-95. Williamson scored 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and had six assists, all while recording a plus/minus of +19.
Brandon Ingram was a good running mate for Williamson as he had 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists (10-of-20 from the field).
With the loss, the Thunder now own a half of a game lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the fifth-best odds in the draft lottery.
Leading the charge for Thunder was Lu Dort, scoring 17 points and three rebounds on 5-of-12 from the field (4-of-8 from three). Theo Maledon added 16 points and four assists.
Gabriel Deck was able to finally make his debut for the Thunder, scoring one basket, two rebounds, and two assists. “We knew [Deck] could play. That’s why he’s here,” said Coach Mark Daigneault.
OKC trails the Pelicans 60-43 at the half. Seems like a good time to watch Gabriel Deck highlights on repeat. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/QbzRdViPTL
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) April 30, 2021
“Pretty impressive. Deck’s a big guy, he’s a tough guy. He did a really good job on him. Knows how to play. He made a good first impression tonight,” said Coach Daigneault on Deck guarding Williamson.
Another bright spot in the loss was Isaiah Roby scoring 13 points, adding nine rebounds and three steals. The forward continues to get downhill and show signs of a point-forward in the making.
Moses Brown did his part in cleaning the boards with 18 rebounds (14 defensive, four offensive).
