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!
Follow The Kneaux on X, and follow me there too @SportsChrissy.
A quick share helps us a lot!
Discussing how the Pelicans get into the lottery & a few prospects to keep in mind.
Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X