The 2024 NBA playoffs answered with a thunderous roar. The top-seeded OKC Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie phenom Chet Holmgren, didn’t just defeat the New Orleans Pelicans—they dismantled them in a four-game sweep. But behind the headlines lies a treasure trove of OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats that reveal why this series was less a battle and more a masterclass in teamwork. Let’s dissect the numbers, the moments, and the unsung heroes who turned this matchup into a blueprint for playoff success.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Clutch Conductor
If playoff basketball is a symphony, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was its conductor. The Thunder’s star guard averaged 28.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the series, but his real magic came in the final minutes. In Game 1, his go-ahead basket with 32 seconds left wasn’t just a highlight—it set the tone for the entire series.
Key Stat:
- Clutch Time Shooting (Last 5 Minutes, Score Within 5): 68% FG, 90% FT
“I live for those moments,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. The Pelicans had no answer for his mid-range artistry or his ability to draw fouls (8.3 free throw attempts per game).
Chet Holmgren’s Rookie Wall? More Like a Fortress
Chet Holmgren didn’t just silence critics questioning his playoff readiness—he buried them. The 7’1” rookie averaged a 15.8-point, 11.0-rebound double-double while swatting 3.5 shots per game. His Game 1 performance (19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks) showcased a blend of poise and aggression rarely seen in first-year players.
Rookie Comparison (2024 Playoffs):
| Player | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chet Holmgren | 15.8 | 11.0 | 3.5 | 54% |
| Victor Wembanyama | 22.1 | 10.3 | 3.8 | 47% |
Holmgren’s rim protection forced the Pelicans into a dismal 39.2% shooting in the paint, turning the Thunder’s defense into a no-fly zone.
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The Pelicans’ Paradox: Dominance That Didn’t Translate
New Orleans had glaring bright spots—Jonas Valančiūnas’ 20-rebound Game 1, CJ McCollum’s 20-point nights, and Trey Murphy III’s 21-point outbursts. But their stats were empty calories in a losing recipe.
Pelicans’ Key Stats vs Thunder:
- Rebounding Advantage: +7.3 per game
- Second-Chance Points: 14.5 per game (Thunder: 9.8)
- Outcome: 0-4 series loss
Why the disconnect? The Thunder’s pace (ranked 2nd in regular season) turned Valančiūnas’ rebounds into transition nightmares. For every board he grabbed, OKC countered with a sprinting Jalen Williams (19 PPG) or Luguentz Dort locking down Brandon Ingram (held to 16.0 PPG on 38% shooting).
The Supporting Cast: OKC’s Secret Sauce
While stars shine brightest, OKC’s sweep was powered by role players:
- Jalen Williams (19.0 PPG): The sophomore’s slashing and corner threes kept defenses honest.
- Luguentz Dort: Reduced Ingram to a non-factor, allowing just 12.3 PPG when guarding him.
- Cason Wallace: The rookie’s +/- of +42 led all bench players.
Thunder’s Two-Way Impact (Series Averages):
| Player | Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating | Net Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 118.7 | 104.2 | +14.5 |
| Chet Holmgren | 116.3 | 98.9 | +17.4 |
| Team Average | 114.1 | 105.6 | +8.5 |
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Conclusion
The OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reveal a tale of two philosophies: one team leveraging synergy and speed, the other leaning on individual efforts. For OKC, this sweep was proof that modern basketball rewards collective IQ over isolated brilliance. For the Pelicans? A stark reminder that even historic rebounding can’t outpace a well-oiled machine.
FAQs
Who was the series MVP?
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and clutch gene edged Holmgren’s two-way dominance, but both were co-stars.
Why did Valančiūnas’ rebounds not translate to wins?
OKC’s transition game neutralized his boards, turning defensive stops into fast breaks.
How did OKC contain Zion Williamson?
Williamson missed the series due to injury—a crippling blow for New Orleans.
What doomed the Pelicans’ offense?
Over-reliance on isolations (22% of plays, ranked 29th in playoff efficiency).
Can OKC’s youth sustain a title run?
Their net rating (+8.5) and depth suggest yes, but playoff inexperience remains a hurdle.
What’s next for New Orleans?
Finding a healthy Zion and more shot creation beyond McCollum.
