Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Injury-Hit Thunder Past Pelicans to Break Two-Game Losing Streak

Key Takeaways:

• Oklahoma City halted a two-game losing streak by defeating New Orleans 104-95
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 29 points, extending his streak of 20+ points to 118 consecutive games
• The Thunder, at 38-10, remain at the top of the NBA standings despite missing four key players through injury

Match Analysis

On Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, the Thunder produced a resilient display to overcome the New Orleans Pelicans 104-95, snapping a two-game skid and avoiding their first three-game losing run of the season. The league-leading Thunder, now 38-10, achieved victory despite coping with a host of injuries to key rotation players.

Team effort in Loud City 🤝 pic.twitter.com/bLyuS54WGg

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 28, 2026

Standout Performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental for Oklahoma City, finishing with 29 points. Despite shooting 8 of 22 from the field, he excelled at the charity stripe, making 13 of his 14 attempts. With this performance, Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 118 consecutive games, the second-longest in NBA history.

Chet Holmgren impressed on both ends, compiling 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Isaiah Joe provided further support, notching 17 points off the bench.

The Thunder achieved this win without starters Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Cason Wallace, as well as key reserve Alex Caruso, all sidelined through injury.

Pelicans’ Efforts and Tempers Flare

Zion Williamson topped the scoring for the Pelicans, recording 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and collecting 11 rebounds. Saddiq Bey contributed 16 points and secured 13 rebounds. The Pelicans, who had won their previous two games, were ultimately unable to close the gap despite a late push.

The closing minutes saw tempers boil over. Saddiq Bey and Jaylin Williams were both assessed technical fouls after a confrontation. With nine seconds to play, Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort had to be separated after an altercation, and Fears subsequently charged at Dort before players from both teams intervened.

Flow of the Game

Both teams struggled to find rhythm early, as Oklahoma City missed its first eight shots and New Orleans opened just 1 of 9 from the field. Lu Dort’s three-pointer with 10.9 seconds left in the second quarter put the Thunder ahead 48-46 at half-time.

The Thunder created separation in the third period, moving ahead 74-64 following a Holmgren three-pointer with 3:38 left in the quarter. Dort’s triple extended the lead to 88-73.

The Pelicans responded with a 14-2 surge, capped by Jeremiah Fears’ 22-foot bank shot narrowing the deficit to 92-87. However, Dort’s fourth three-pointer gave the Thunder a double-digit cushion at 98-87 with 3:26 left, helping to secure the win.

Upcoming Fixtures

Next up, New Orleans are set to host Memphis on Friday night, while Oklahoma City will travel to face Minnesota on Thursday night.