Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Goes for 33 points in Game 2 win
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Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points (13-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, five assists and two steals across 35 minutes during Wednesday's 124-92 victory over the Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
The Thunder secured a statement win in Game 2 of the series, and Gilgeous-Alexander was absolutely dominant en route to his first 30-point effort since April 9, when he exploded for 40 points in a win over the Kings. Gilgeous-Alexander should lead the Thunder in Game 3 on Saturday, and he's having an excellent series so far, shooting 55.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from deep in the first two games against New Orleans.
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Thunder's Luguentz Dort: Drains four threes Wednesday
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Dort racked up 15 points (4-8 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), one rebound, two assists and one steal in 31 minutes during Wednesday's 124-92 win over the Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren carried the Thunder to a blowout win in Game 2 of the series, but Dort made his presence felt Wednesday and was an absolute menace from beyond the arc. Dort should remain a capable contributor as the series heads to New Orleans for Game 3 on Saturday.
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Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Goes for 26 points Wednesday
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Holmgren chipped in 26 points (9-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 124-92 win over the Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Holmgren was expected to have a tough matchup while being guarded by Jonas Valanciunas, but the rookie has looked outstanding in his first two playoff contests, posting a double-double in Game 1 and delivering his best scoring output in more than a month in the second game of the series. Holmgren should continue to have a prominent role for the Thunder ahead of Game 3 on Saturday at Smoothie King Center.
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Carries OKC to victory in Game 1
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Gilgeous-Alexander closed with 28 points (11-24 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds and four assists across 39 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 victory over New Orleans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Gilgeous-Alexander looked a bit off at times and wasn't as dominant as he's been in previous games, but the star floor general came through when the team needed him the most. An off-balance shot in the dying stages of the fourth quarter would be the game-winner for a Thunder team that had to work harder than expected to get past New Orleans. Gilgeous-Alexander was massive during the regular season and was named a finalist for the MVP Award on Sunday, so he's expected to continue leading the way for the Thunder in this series. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at Paycom Center.
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Thunder's Jalen Williams: Solid output in Game 1 victory
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Williams racked up 19 points (8-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 40 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 victory over the Pelicans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Williams struggled from beyond the arc, but other than that, he delivered a solid performance as the Thunder barely escaped with the victory in Game 1. This was Williams' best scoring performance since March 31, when he scored 33 points in a win over the Knicks just before missing four contests with an ankle injury. He should remain a vital cog in the Thunder's offensive scheme for Game 2 on Wednesday.
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Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Swats five shots in win Sunday
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Holmgren ended with 15 points (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal in 32 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 victory over the Pelicans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Holmgren had all sorts of problems with Jonas Valanciunas on the glass, and his shooting wasn't entirely efficient. However, the rookie didn't look outmatched in the first playoff appearance of his career, particularly on the defensive end with a few key blocks down the stretch, including one in the dying stages of the fourth quarter where the Pelicans were creeping on a comeback. Holmgren is not going to lead the Thunder in scoring since he plays alongside Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he's still an excellent two-way threat every time he steps on the court.
Thunder's Olivier Sarr: Ruptures Achilles in G League game
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The Thunder announced Wednesday that Sarr sustained a ruptured left Achilles' tendon rupture while playing for the G League's Oklahoma City Blue on Monday in the club's 117-100 win over the Maine Celtics in Game 3 of the G League Finals.
While the Thunder are expected to release an updated return timetable for Sarr in the coming months, he'll need surgery to address the injury and will likely miss a significant chunk of the 2024-25 season. Sarr split time between the NBA and G League this season as a two-way player and would have been ineligible to compete for the Thunder in the playoffs even if he hadn't suffered the significant injury Monday. Sarr is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
