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OKC Thunder smothers Pelicans with dominant win in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs

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At one point, Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram just shrugged, afraid of the whistle but so drowned in it that he didn't care.

Thunder guard Lu Dort, who had been glued to him for seven straight quarters, bounced off the elbow that Ingram used – which he really needed – to break Dort away from him. There fell, only this time it was one of the few times that Ingram didn't blow the whistle. It was just PTSD.

Dort and others had sparked something in OKC's 124-92 win in Game 2 that gave the Thunder a 2-0 series lead. They eliminated New Orleans' airspace, and the only chance to continue was to flail and fight. At the end of the night, the Pelicans had 17 turnovers. Eight of them were offensive fouls, as Ingram had expected as his fitness improved.

The rush turned the fourth quarter into an avalanche. A repeated emphasis on Thunder's vigor and activity against a group that had already been knocked unconscious. A Pelicans squad is running out of options and seconds. A group is running out of patience.

Ingram's attempts to direct the show failed. Jonas Valanciunas' early dominance faded. The Thunder were superior and superior to the Pelicans, making it seem like Rambo was making a cameo appearance in Tom & Jerry. Other worlds, other weapons.

Rookie Chet Holmgren appears to be in a different mode, showing world-class toughness and perfect timing. He slipped off screens and trapped New Orleans. He came through Ingram to finish. He made Valanciunas pay for any distance given to him, shooting 9-for-13 and scoring 26 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fit the bill. The two, who combined for 59 points on 32 shots, dismantled a typically vicious Pelicans defense and cracked every possible window and crevice. If you include Jalen Williams, the three of them combined for 80 points.

The ball movement and drive-and-kicks became tiring. The shooting became endless. OKC shot 59% from the field and made 14 of its 29 three-pointers. Ingram could only shrug.

More: How OKC Thunder jerseys became an NBA playoff tradition: “So much more than a jersey”

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans playoff series schedule

  • Game 1: Thunder 94, Pelicans 92
  • Game 2: Thunder 124, Pelicans 92
  • Game 3: Saturday, April 27, 2:30 p.m. (TNT) in New Orleans
  • Game 4: TBD Monday, April 29 in New Orleans
  • Game 5 (if necessary): TBD Wednesday, May 1 in OKC
  • Game 6 (If necessary): TBD Friday, May 3rd in New Orleans
  • Game 7 (If necessary): TBD Sunday, May 5 in OKC

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