Thunder @ Pelicans Playoff Game 4 Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • April 30, 2024
Team Stats
(Thunder at Pelicans)
Final Score: 97-89
Rebounds: 44-50
Assists: 17-22
Blocks: 7-8
Steals: 10-10
Turnovers: 14-19
Stat Leaders
(Thunder @ Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Jalen Williams, 24; CJ McCollum, 20
Rebound Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 10; Jonas Valanciusas, 13
Assist Leaders: Chet Holmgren, 5; Brandon Ingram, 6
My Player of the Game: Jonas Valanciunas
Takeaways
- Well, the Pelicans got swept in the first-round of the NBA playoffs.
- The Pelicans' offense struggled this whole series, and although it didn't seem like the OKC defense was anything special, they held the Pelicans to well under 100 points per game.
- Turnovers were a huge issue for the Pelicans this entire playoff series.
- OKC's Dort shut down Brandon Ingram every game -- and it was hurtful to the Pelicans that Ingram was never able to take over or hit some of his open shots. He went 2-of-14 from the field in tonight's game.
- When Jordan Hawkins was put in the game, the Pelicans went on a run in the first half but then he did not play in the second half.
- Not sure where Jonas ends up next year, but he had a good game for the Pelicans tonight.
- Many times the NBA championship teams come down to who can stay healthy, and unfortunately for the Pelicans, Zion and BI got hurt at the worst time of the season.
- Regardless, the Pelicans won 49 games this season, we got to witness a healthy Zion for the entire regular season, we saw Herb Jones improve tremendously, and we saw Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins kick off their great, young careers.
- There will be moves in the offseason because the Pelicans have a generational talent in Zion.
- For now, I appreciate everyone who has gone along on the ride with me this season. I truly believe that next year we will be back better than ever. As always, Go Pelicans!
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Team Stats (Trail Blazers at Pelicans) Final Score: 120-143 Rebounds: 419-57 Assists: 27-36 Blocks: 7-8 Steals: 5-10 Turnovers: 15-8 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Shaedon Sharpe, 21; Trey Murphy III, 24 Rebound Leaders: Kris Murray, 9; Yves Missi, Saddiq Bey, 8 Assist Leaders: Deni Avdija, 6; Derik Queen, 7 My Player of the Game: Derik Queen Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The Pelicans have won their fourth game of the season. Yay ! * Jordan Poole was back tonight and he made a world of difference. His three-point shooting, confidence, and leadership were a ton of help. * Derik Queen is a problem for all other 29 teams in this league. This kid has a vision that hasn't been seen in any recent rookies, especially for a center. * Bryce McGowens was the second-leading scorer in this game with 23 points. He's stepped up in a big way. * In surprising news, Zion Williamson is questionable for Sunday's game at the Chicago Bulls. This is the first time in what seems like years that Zion's health is actually improving much sooner than projected. Whether this is a sign of Zion pushing himself or James Borrego pushing him, it's nice to see. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
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