The New Orleans Pelicans ripped the final band aid off what has been a roller-coaster season by losing to the No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder in the first play-in game, 123-118, on Wednesday at home.

The season now comes to an end, and while winning 42 games and finishing with a winning record might feel like a victorious year for the Nola team, there is not much to celebrate.

Prior to the game, Zion Williamson was seen dunking in pre-game warmups even though he would not be playing. Zion was not sitting due to an injury, but due to personal reasons.

The Pelicans started off flat in front of the sold-out crowd, but New Orleans led at halftime. However, the Thunder dominated in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 39-24. The Pels fought back, but it was too little too late.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 32 points, while Josh Giddey had 31 points and 10 assists, and Lu Dort added 27 points and five rebounds.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Herb Jones also added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. He’s really transformed throughout this season; one of the bright spots this year.

McCollum scored 14 points in 41 minutes. It was announced after the game that he has been playing for a torn labrum in this shoulder, and expects to have thumb surgery in the coming weeks.

Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum played a total of 10 games together this season. If everyone can get healthy for just one season, magic could possibly happen, especially when you add in players like Jones and Trey Murphy who both grew leaps and bounds this year.

Only time will tell.

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