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The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the New Orleans Pelicans from the opening tip on Monday night, rolling to a 126-109 victory that extended their winning streak to six games. The win improved their record to 14-1, the best start across the league this season.
Oklahoma City set the tone early by forcing six turnovers in the first six minutes and converting defensive pressure into transition opportunities. The Thunder exploded in the opening quarter, establishing a new franchise record for the highest-scoring quarter in team history.
“Thunder’s 49 points in the first quarter against the Pelicans is the highest-scoring quarter in Thunder history,” Joe Mussatto posted on X.
Thunder’s 49 points in the first quarter against the Pelicans is the highest-scoring quarter in Thunder history.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) November 18, 2025
Oklahoma City came within six points of the NBA record for most points in a first quarter. The Golden State Warriors scored 55 points in a single quarter during the 2023 season, a mark that remains the league standard.
The offensive barrage put New Orleans in an early hole that proved impossible to overcome. Moreover, the reigning NBA champions continued their dominant form throughout the game with balanced contributions from across the roster.
Six players reached double figures in scoring as Oklahoma City maintained control from start to finish. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 87th consecutive game with at least 20 points, a streak surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history. Chamberlain holds the two longest streaks at 92 and 126 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander sat out the entire fourth quarter for the fourth straight game as the margin allowed coach Mark Daigneault to rest his star. The Thunder defense limited New Orleans effectively, while consistent three-point shooting created additional separation down the stretch.
Oklahoma City built its championship last season through performances like this one, and the early returns suggest that pattern is continuing into the new campaign.
NEXT: Stats Show How Dominant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Been