Shai, man.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made light work of the Pelicans (5-19), scoring 23 of the Thunder's (18-5) 77 first-half points while missing just one shot. But after going up 30 midway through the first quarter, OKC let the Pels slowwwwly crawl back to within 9 at the 3:55 mark thanks to a [Dejounte Murray](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36277055/source-nba-investigating-dejounte-murray-actions-officials?ref=dailythunder.com)\* steal and layup.
New Orleans hung around nobly for a team with little hope, fighting and trapping with effort, but they just can't buy a break. Brandon Ingram went out in the third, again. And there was little doubt as SGA (31 & 4), Jalen Williams (27/6/5/4), and the Thunder finished off the Pelicans without a truly sweaty finish. It would have been nice for those stars to get some blowout rest, but we'll have to settle for a disappointing double-digit win.