In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Jalen Williams’ 26-point performance, managed to outscore the New Orleans Pelicans 119-112 with a well-balanced offensive display.

To clinch the win, the Thunder executed a flawless 12-0 run in the final three minutes of the game.

With Josh Giddey contributing a season-high 25 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 24, and Chet Holmgren chipping in 16, the Thunder (50-21) demonstrated their dominance by securing their fifth victory in six recent matches.

Zion Williamson showcased his skill with 29 points and 10 assists while CJ McCollum tallied 23 points alongside Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, who each scored 16 points for the Pelicans (44-28). Despite overcoming a 20-point deficit in the third quarter to briefly take the lead in the fourth, the team faltered by failing to score in the last 3:10 of the game.

Giddey’s impressive consecutive field goals and Gilgeous-Alexander’s four New Orleans points early in the third quarter were crucial in the Thunder’s push to establish an 88-68 lead.

During a pivotal 14-0 surge led by Williamson, the Pelicans closed the gap to 90-88. However, Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren stepped up to secure a 96-90 lead for Oklahoma City by the end of the third quarter.

McCollum’s key assists and made free throws enabled New Orleans to tie the score at 99, only for Giddey to break the deadlock with a crucial 3-pointer. The lead exchanged hands before Murphy’s successful 3-pointer and McCollum’s field goal propelled the Pelicans to a temporary 112-107 advantage.

Williams, along with 3-pointers from Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, propelled the Thunder to a 115-112 lead with just over a minute remaining. A missed shot from New Orleans was capitalized upon by Williams with a decisive layup, extending the lead to five with 27.9 seconds left.

Giddey’s stellar performance helped the Thunder establish a seven-point lead midway through the first quarter.

Murphy’s two successful 3-point shots combined with Williamson’s field goals enabled the Pelicans to initially take a 29-25 lead, further extending it to 34-33 by the end of the first quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s quick field goals in the second quarter spearheaded a 6-0 run by Oklahoma City, granting them a five-point advantage. Despite New Orleans closing the gap multiple times, the Thunder surged ahead with an eight-point streak, leading 54-44.

Williams’ successful pair of 3-pointers contributed to the Thunder’s halftime lead of 73-58, ensuring they maintained their significant edge.