NEW ORLEANS — Chet Holmgren scored 26 factors and grabbed 9 rebounds, and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder raced to an early double-digit lead they maintained all through in a 126-109 victory over the reeling New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 factors and Lu Dort 17 for the Thunder, who set a franchise report for factors in 1 / 4 with 49 within the first. Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 factors for Oklahoma Metropolis, which gained its sixth straight for a 14th victory in 15 video games to open the season.
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears scored a season-high 24 and Trey Murphy III added 18 factors for the Pelicans, who’ve misplaced six straight for the second time of their first 14 video games, and two straight since interim coach James Borrego took over within the wake of Willie Inexperienced’s firing on Saturday.
New Orleans performed with out Zion Williamson (hamstring), who missed his ninth recreation this season. Saddiq Bey (left ankle) was additionally scratched for New Orleans. Rookie Micah Peavy scored a season-high 16 factors for the Pelicans in a reserve function.
Oklahoma Metropolis led by 10 lower than three minutes into the sport and by 20 earlier than eight minutes had elapsed.
The Pelicans dedicated six turnovers within the first six minutes, at which level the Thunder, main 24-8, had 13 factors off turnovers.
When Brandon Carlson’s free throws made it 36-11, Oklahoma Metropolis had scored on 15 of its earlier 17 possessions.
After the primary quarter closed with Oklahoma Metropolis main 49-24, the second quarter was considerably extra aggressive. The Pelicans, who shot 52.6% throughout the first 24 minutes, trimmed their deficit to 13 by halftime, at 69-56.
However the Thunder outscored the Pelicans 24-11 throughout the opening seven minutes of the third interval, main 93-67 after Holmgren adopted up a 3 with a slicing dunk.
Thunder: Hosts the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night time.
Pelicans: Host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night time.
