The New Orleans Pelicans didn't take their "O" to OKC.
As a result, the Pelicans’ 2-game winning streak came to a halt.
The Pelicans’ dreadful shooting night led to a 104-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
The Pelicans shot 34 % from the floor and just 25% on 3-pointers.
Zion Williamson recorded his third straight double double, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He was 8-of-11 from the floor.
But he didn’t get much help from the other starters.
Trey Murphy went 3-for-20, including 1-for-11 on 3-pointers.
Herb Jones went 3-for12-, including 1-for-9 on 3-pointers.
Saddiq Bey went 4-for16.
And Derik Queen went 4-for-11.
The Pelicans (12-37) lost for the first time with that starting lineup. Pelicans’ interim coach James Borrego went to that lineup for first time Friday night in the win against the Grizzlies and again two nights later in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. But it wasn’t enough to beat last season’s NBA champs.
“I love the effort,” Borrego said. “Probably one of our better defensive efforts against that group.”
That effort wasn't enough to end the Pels' woes against OKC. The Pelicans have now lost 13 straight games to the Thunder (38-10). That includes the sweep in the first round of the playoffs in the 2023-’24 season. The Pels’ last win against OKC came on Nov. 1, 2023.
Bey (16 points, 13 rebounds), despite a rough shooting night, recorded his second consecutive double double.
Yves Missi came off the bench and finished with nine points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins didn’t play for the second straight game.
Murphy had 10 points, five rebounds and five assists. Murphy and Jones both were a combined 0-for-14 on treys (0-for-7 each) through the first 3 ½ quarters. That drought didn’t end until Jones made a 3-pointer with 6:24 left. Murphy made his first one moments later. It was too little too late.
“Obviously (the defense) gave us a chance tonight,” Borrego said. “We turned them over and won the possession game. Gave ourselves a shot tonight. Just needed a few more buckets.”
The Pelicans host the Grizzlies Friday before going on a 4-game road trip.