Thunder @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • March 27, 2024
Team Stats
(Thunder @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 119-112
Rebounds: 45-37
Assists: 28-26
Blocks: 3-2
Steals: 5-7
Turnovers: 12-9
Stat Leaders
(Thunder/Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Jalen Williams, 26; Zion Williamson, 29
Rebound Leaders: Josh Giddey, 9; Trey Murphy III/CJ McCollum/Jonas Valančiūnas, 6
Assist Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 8; Zion Williamson, 10
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- Zion is playing like an unstoppable beast as of lately. He scored 29 points and had 10 assists.
- Josh Giddey had a career game with 25 points. I guess the Pelicans decided to let someone else beat them tonight.
- Jonas Valančiūnas played 10 minutes in the game and had six points and six boards but then did not play again.
- The Thunder went on a 10-0 run to end the game after the Pelicans fought back hard to take a five-point lead with less than three minutes to go.
- CJ McCollum had an incredible second half to even get the Pelicans back in the game.
- The Pelicans next two home games are against Milwaukee and Boston.
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Tulane Green Wave Commit Queens U Transfer Carson Schwieger @CarsonSchwieger 6-9/222 Schwieger is a specialized perimeter shooter and spot-up threat. His calling card is elite three-point shooting on high volume, he ranked among the nation’s top volume 3PT makers while hitting at a 40.9% clip (34th nationally). Most of his shots are catch-and-shoot threes (both open and contested); he has taken virtually no mid-range jumpers all season. He is effective as a stretch 4 in pick-and-pop actions (7/20 on the season) and forces defenses to close out hard, creating driving lanes for teammates. Shooting Mechanics: Quick, repeatable release; comfortable on the move or stationary; good on both contested and uncontested attempts. Finishing/Inside Play: Efficient but low-volume around the rim (56–57% on 2PT attempts, mostly at the rim or in limited post-ups). Not a primary creator or driver, low usage, minimal self-creation, and few assists/turnovers indicate a low-maintenance offensive role. Rebounding: Solid but not dominant (3.1 RPG in 24.5 MPG). Uses his frame and length well on the glass, especially on the defensive end, but is not an elite crash-and-grab guy. Positional rebounding is fine for a stretch 4. Intangibles/Motor/IQ: High feel for the game, low turnover rate, smart off-ball cutter, and team-first player. Physical and competitive; no major red flags in effort or attitude from available reports. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave
Tulane Green Wave Commit Versatile Forward Joah Chappelle 6’8” / 200 lbs Dutchtown HS (5A GA State POY) / Pearl River CC / Georgia State (Hampton/Atlanta, GA) Physical Profile: Long, athletic 6’8” forward with excellent length, mobility, and a high-motor frame. Has grown into his body and added strength since high school, giving him the versatility to play multiple positions on both ends. Elite wingspan and quickness allow him to guard 1-through-5 effectively while crashing the glass and protecting the rim. Explosive in transition and finishes with authority around the basket. Scoring Versatility (Primary Strength): Efficient inside scorer with a rapidly expanding perimeter game. At Pearl River CC, he averaged 16.3 PPG on 53.1% shooting with six double-doubles and multiple 20+ point games (season-high 27). Capable of scoring in the post, attacking off the dribble, and knocking down open threes (improved 37.8% from deep at Georgia State). High-level athlete who finishes through contact and excels in the open floor, lefty with soft touch and developing face-up skills. Playmaking & Basketball IQ: Surprisingly skilled passer for a forward, dished out 3.1 APG at the JUCO level with vision that creates for teammates. High IQ player who reads defenses, makes smart decisions in transition, and elevates those around him. Understands how to use his size and length to manipulate help defense. Defense & Rebounding (Elite Trait): High-motor, blue-collar defender who takes pride in shutting down opponents. Extremely versatile, can guard guards, wings, and bigs with his length and lateral quickness. At Georgia State he led the team in blocks (0.9 BPG) and offensive rebounds while posting strong rebounding numbers (5.3 RPG overall). Instinctive shot-blocker and lob threat on the defensive glass. Never takes a play off. Intangibles & Leadership: Relentless competitor with a championship mentality. Named 5A State Player of the Year at Dutchtown and MACCC Freshman of the Year at Pearl River, proven winner who steps up in big moments. High-character kid with a strong work ethic and family-driven background. Coaches rave about his versatility, toughness, and ability to impact winning on both ends. Overall Traits & Projection: Dynamic, multi-positional forward with elite defensive tools, rebounding prowess, and growing offensive versatility. Tulane lands a high-upside transfer who can immediately anchor the frontcourt with his length, motor, and two-way impact. Projects as a difference-maker in the AAC, a modern forward who can guard, rebound, run the floor, and develop into a primary scoring option. His senior year at Dutchtown and dominant JUCO campaign showed massive growth, and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave