Holmgren Leads Thunder in Record-Setting Victory Over Struggling Pelicans

Key Takeaways:

• Chet Holmgren delivered 26 points and nine rebounds as Oklahoma City secured a 126-109 win over New Orleans on Monday night
• The Thunder established a new franchise mark by scoring 49 points in the opening quarter
• The Pelicans suffered their sixth consecutive defeat, having dropped both outings since interim coach James Borrego’s appointment on Saturday

Fast Start Propels Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Thunder surged to an unassailable lead early, establishing a double-digit advantage within the opening three minutes and extending it to 20 before the eight-minute mark in New Orleans. The Thunder capitalised on six Pelicans turnovers in the first six minutes, converting them into 13 points as they jumped ahead 24-8. By the time Brandon Carlson completed a pair of free throws to make it 36-11, Oklahoma City had scored on 15 of their previous 17 possessions.

The first quarter ended with the Thunder holding a 49-24 lead, setting a new franchise record for points scored in a single period.

Wire to wire W ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/bqtThBBfDw

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 18, 2025

Player Performances and Key Contributors

Chet Holmgren was in outstanding form, finishing with 26 points and nine rebounds to lead the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 23 points, with Lu Dort adding 17 and Isaiah Hartenstein chipping in 16 for Oklahoma City. The win marked the Thunder’s sixth in a row and their 14th in 15 games to begin the season.

For the Pelicans, rookie Jeremiah Fears delivered a season-best 24 points, while Trey Murphy III tallied 18. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) absent for the ninth game this season and Saddiq Bey (left ankle) also sidelined, rookie Micah Peavy stepped up off the bench to record a season-high 16 points. The loss drops New Orleans to their second six-game losing streak within their first 14 fixtures.

Game Flow and Efficiency

After the Thunder’s explosive first quarter, the Pelicans responded, shooting 52.6% during the first half and reducing the deficit to 13 points by the break at 69-56. Nevertheless, Oklahoma City reasserted control in the third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 24-11 across the opening seven minutes. Holmgren punctuated this run by following a three-pointer with a driving dunk, putting the Thunder ahead 93-67.

Looking Ahead

Oklahoma City Thunder are set to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the New Orleans Pelicans will welcome the Denver Nuggets on the same evening.