Based on a combination of key injuries and recent G League assignments, New Orleans entered Wednesday’s game with only 11 available players. After a second-quarter ejection of Josh Hart for two technical fouls, that count was down to 10. Oklahoma City took full advantage, turning a tight score into a commanding second-half edge, then holding off a late New Orleans surge.
The Thunder went on a 16-0 run at one stage of the third quarter, building an 83-68 differential. They later went up 92-73 at 9:31, prior to the hosts mounting a rally.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hesitation drive and mid-range bucket put the visitors up 103-96 with 51 seconds left.