Pelicans Drop Third Straight

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 118-110, at
Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday evening. The Pelicans started off well,
leading 35-32 after the first quarter but went on to fall short in each of the
remaining three quarters. Meanwhile, history was made in a couple of ways, as
Russell Westbrook tied Wilt Chamberlain for second-most 40-point triple-doubles,
while notching his 29th triple-double of the season. On another note, Anthony
Davis set a Pelicans franchise record with 24 points in the first quarter. This
marks the third straight win for the Thunder (34-25), as they have won both
their games after the break. The Thunder shot 47.7 percent from the field and
out-rebounded the Pelicans by 18. Russell Westbrook led the way for Oklahoma
City with 41 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds, in 37 minutes. Enes Kanter
followed up with 20 points in 24 minutes off the bench, while Alex Abrines and
Steven Adams chipped in 13 points each. The Thunder go on to host the Jazz on
Tuesday. Meanwhile, this marks the Pelicans (23-37) third straight loss in the
DeMarcus Cousins era. Cousins and Anthony Davis continue to put up huge numbers
but the lack of contribution from anywhere else is turning into a glaring
problem. Davis led the way with 38 points, while Cousins followed up with 31.
The only other player to score in double digits for New Orleans was E’Twaun
Moore, who chipped in 10 points. The Pelicans will have a couple days to try to
work things out before they go on to play host to the Pistons on Wednesday.