On the NBA playoff stage, every game is full of excitement and unpredictability, especially when expectations of a team are not high, and their performance can often spark widespread discussion. Recently, we witnessed a high-profile matchup between the Thunder, who were considered the "weakest No. 1 team in the West for a long time," and the Pelicans in the first game of the first-round series.
The game was tense from the start. Both teams shot below 40 percent from the field in the first quarter, showing that both sides were pushing the defensive pressure, and the two sides ended in a 17-17 tie after 12 minutes. Such a start clearly did not give either side an advantage, and it also indicates that it will be a tug-of-war. In the second quarter, the Pelicans led the Thunder by seven points at 28-21, but the Thunder quickly adjusted their tactics to tie the score and tied it again at 43-43 at halftime.
Entering the third quarter, the Thunder stepped up their frontcourt rebounding scramble, especially on the secondary offense, which helped them lead 59-50 at one point. However, the Pelicans didn't give up and they took the lead late in the quarter, but the Thunder regained the lead at 74-68 at the end of the third quarter. In the final quarter, the suspense of the game remained until the last moment. The Thunder extended their lead to 10 points at one point, but the Pelicans fought back to take a 90-88 lead with 3:34 left in the game. At the critical moment, the Thunder's Alexander scored five points in a row to help the team take the lead again, and finally the Thunder narrowly defeated the Pelicans 94-92.
Statistically, the Thunder's Alexander scored 28 points to become the game-high scorer, while the Pelicans' Murphy also had an excellent 21 points. In addition, the Thunder's Holmgren and Pelicans' Wallan were also a big draw for rebounds, grabbing 11 and 20 rebounds, respectively.
This game is not only a contest of technique and tactics, but also a confrontation of psychology and will. The Thunder's ability to display excellent teamwork and game control under pressure despite public and media skepticism has undoubtedly provided them with valuable confidence and experience for the rest of the series. The result of this game also proved to all doubters that the Thunder are not unfounded No. 1 and that they have the potential and quality to go far in the playoffs.
In the fierce competition of the NBA playoffs, every game is a test of the team's strength and will. Recently, the first-round matchup between the Thunder and the Pelicans was particularly eye-catching, and the Thunder, an underrated team that showed extraordinary strength and tenacity in the game, finally defeated the Pelicans 94-92, which was not only a victory on the court, but also a powerful response to the outside world's doubts.
The game began with fierce defense from both sides, and the two sides tied 17-17 in the first quarter, showing the balanced strength and strategy of both teams. The Pelicans led at one point in the second quarter, but the Thunder quickly adjusted their tactics and eventually tied the game at 43-43 at halftime. Entering the third quarter, the Thunder took the lead by strengthening the rebounding scramble and secondary offense, and although the Pelicans once overtook at one point, the Thunder regained the lead at a critical moment through Alexander's excellent performance, and finally maintained it until the end of the game.
Alexander became the top scorer with 28 points, showing his ability to score in crunch time. In addition, the competition between the two sides for rebounding is also very fierce, especially the matchup between the Thunder's Holmgren and the Pelicans' Wallan, which has become a major attraction of the game.
This game is not only a contest of technique and tactics, but also a confrontation of psychology and will. The Thunder showed excellent teamwork and game control in the face of public and media skepticism, which gave them valuable confidence and experience in subsequent series. The Thunder's victory proved to all doubters that they are not the No. 1 for no reason, and that they have the potential and quality to go far in the playoffs.
The challenges facing the Thunder remain daunting, and every game could be a new test. But this victory has already shown their quality and potential, as well as gaining valuable experience and confidence for the team. Fans and pundits will continue to follow the Thunder's performance and look forward to them continuing to exceed expectations and show even better performances in the upcoming games.
The Thunder not only showed their skills in this game, but also showed the team's resilience and desire to win through unity and calmness in key moments. This victory is not only an affirmation of their strength, but also a testament to the world that they are capable of thriving in the face of adversity and being united in the face of doubt. As the playoffs go deeper, the Thunder are ready to show their best performance in the face of any difficulties, accumulating more advantages and experience for future games.