Picture this: A roaring Oklahoma City crowd, the electric buzz of anticipation in the air, and the relentless swish of the net. Not once, not twice, but a franchise-record twenty-seven times. On February 10, 2025, the Paycom Center transformed into a three-point shooting gallery as the OKC Thunder dismantled the New Orleans Pelicans 137-101. This wasn’t just a win; it was a stark declaration of contrasting basketball identities, crystallized in the New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder match player stats. While the Thunder rained fire from deep, the Pelicans sought answers inside, setting the stage for a fascinating Western Conference rivalry defined by its stars. Let’s explore.
The Thunder’s Torrential Downpour: How OKC Rewrote the Record Books
The story of this game, and arguably the defining characteristic of the modern Thunder, is their staggering perimeter assault. Oklahoma City didn’t just beat the Pelicans; they did it by setting a new franchise benchmark with 27 made three-pointers. This wasn’t a fluke; it was systematic execution fueled by depth, ball movement, and supreme confidence.
- The Maestro: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 4/7 3PT). SGA was the engine, effortlessly blending his devastating drives with efficient outside shooting. His 31 points came on smooth efficiency, dictating the tempo and finding open shooters whenever the Pelicans’ defense collapsed.
- The Spark Plug: Aaron Wiggins (24 PTS, 4 REB, 6/9 3PT off the bench). Wiggins was the embodiment of OKC’s bench strength. His 24 points, including a blistering 6 threes, provided an unstoppable second wave that drowned any hope of a Pelicans comeback. His performance highlighted the Thunder’s enviable depth.
- The Anchor: Chet Holmgren (12 PTS, 6 REB, 5 BLK, 2/4 3PT). While the points weren’t eye-popping, Holmgren’s impact was immense. He stretched the floor (hitting 2 threes), protected the rim with authority (5 blocks), and disrupted countless Pelicans possessions. He was the perfect complementary piece to the perimeter onslaught.
- Supporting Snipers: The damage was widespread. Jalen Williams (18 PTS, 4/7 3PT), Lu Dort (15 PTS, 3/6 3PT), and Isaiah Joe (12 PTS, 4/8 3PT) all contributed significantly to the historic shooting night. The ball zipped around the court, consistently finding the open man against a scrambling Pelicans defense.
OKC Thunder’s Record Three-Point Barrage (Feb 10, 2025)
| Player | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | Points | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Wiggins | 6 | 9 | 66.7% | 24 | Bench Spark |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 4 | 7 | 57.1% | 31 | Primary Creator |
| Jalen Williams | 4 | 7 | 57.1% | 18 | Secondary Playmaker |
| Isaiah Joe | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 12 | Bench Shooter |
| Lu Dort | 3 | 6 | 50.0% | 15 | Defensive Stopper/Shooter |
| Chet Holmgren | 2 | 4 | 50.0% | 12 | Stretch Big |
| Team Total | 27 | 52 | 51.9% | 137 | Franchise Record |
The Pelicans’ Ground Game: Seeking Solace in the Paint
Facing an unprecedented shooting storm, the New Orleans Pelicans stuck to their identity: attacking the rim and leveraging their physical advantages. While ultimately overwhelmed, their match player stats reveal a team trying to counter firepower with force.
- The Bright Spot: Trey Murphy III (23 PTS, 4 REB, 5/11 3PT). TMIII was the Pelicans’ most consistent offensive weapon, particularly from deep. His 23 points and 5 threes provided crucial spacing and kept NOLA within theoretical striking distance for stretches. He embodied the potential of their wing scoring.
- The Driving Force: Zion Williamson (17 PTS, 5 AST, 7/11 FG). Zion’s efficiency inside (7/11 shooting) was impressive, showcasing his unique ability to finish through contact. His 5 assists demonstrated his evolving playmaking. However, his relatively modest 17 points underscored how difficult it was for the Pelicans to generate consistent high-percentage looks against OKC’s length and rim protection (led by Holmgren), especially without matching the three-point volume.
- Struggling Stars: Brandon Ingram (14 PTS, 5/15 FG, 0/4 3PT). Ingram had an uncharacteristically off night. His 5/15 shooting and 0/4 from deep significantly hampered the Pelicans’ ability to keep pace offensively. The Thunder defense deserves credit for making his looks difficult.
- Supporting Cast: CJ McCollum (12 PTS, 2/7 3PT) also struggled to find his rhythm from outside. Jonas Valančiūnas (8 PTS, 10 REB) worked hard on the glass but found limited scoring opportunities against Holmgren’s shot-blocking presence. The bench offered limited offensive punch compared to OKC’s reserves.
Also Read: Golden State Warriors VS Lakers Match Player Stats
Key Pelicans Contributors vs Thunder (Feb 10, 2025)
| Player | Points | FG% | 3PM/A | Rebounds | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | 23 | 47.8% | 5/11 | 4 | 1 | Primary perimeter threat |
| Zion Williamson | 17 | 63.6% | 0/1 | 3 | 5 | Efficient inside, playmaking |
| Brandon Ingram | 14 | 33.3% | 0/4 | 4 | 4 | Off shooting night, struggled |
| CJ McCollum | 12 | 37.5% | 2/7 | 2 | 3 | Below-average efficiency |
| Jonas Valančiūnas | 8 | 44.4% | 0/0 | 10 | 1 | Solid rebounding, limited O |
Clash of Titans: Star Power on Display
Beyond the systems, this New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder matchup is increasingly defined by its elite individual talent. The February 10th game was a showcase:
- SGA vs. Zion: The primary offensive engines. Gilgeous-Alexander (31 pts, 7 ast) masterfully orchestrated OKC’s symphony of shooters, blending scoring and playmaking. Williamson (17 pts, 5 ast) was efficient but lacked the supporting firepower or the defensive answer to counter SGA’s brilliance on this night. Zion’s impact inside was evident, but SGA’s ability to control the game from the perimeter proved decisive.
- Holmgren’s Two-Way Impact: While Holmgren’s 12 points were modest, his defensive presence (5 blocks) and floor-spacing (2 threes) were vital. He altered the Pelicans’ shot selection in the paint and prevented Valančiūnas from dominating the boards offensively. His unique skill set creates problems for traditional bigs.
- Murphy’s Emergence: Trey Murphy III’s 23-point outing was a silver lining for New Orleans. His ability to score efficiently from deep is crucial for balancing their offense. Matching OKC shot-for-shot is unrealistic, but Murphy gives them a fighting chance in the perimeter arms race.
The Bench Battle: Depth Decides
The chasm between the teams was perhaps most evident in the second unit production. Aaron Wiggins’ explosion (24 points off the bench) wasn’t just good; it was game-breaking. OKC’s reserves outscored, outshot, and out-energized the Pelicans’ bench. This depth, capable of sustaining or even extending leads, is a hallmark of contending teams and a significant advantage for the Thunder highlighted in these match player stats. New Orleans needs more consistent production from their non-starters to compete in high-octane matchups like this.
Beyond the Box Score: Defensive Adjustments & Future Implications
The lopsided score wasn’t solely about OKC’s hot shooting. Their defensive strategy effectively contained Zion’s dominance more than most teams, largely thanks to Holmgren’s rim protection and disciplined team rotations. They forced the Pelicans into tougher two-point attempts while running them off the three-point line (relatively speaking, compared to their own volume). New Orleans struggled to disrupt OKC’s ball movement and close out effectively on the plethora of shooters.
This game solidified the Thunder’s status as a Western Conference force, built on modern spacing, elite guard play, and versatile defense. For the Pelicans, it exposed a critical vulnerability: an over-reliance on interior scoring and inconsistent perimeter shooting when faced with an elite offensive juggernaut. As this rivalry grows – fueled by young stars, contrasting styles, and playoff implications – the New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder match player stats from February 10th will serve as a defining reference point.
The Takeaway:
The Thunder’s record-breaking night from beyond the arc wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder match player stats from February 10th, 2025, vividly illustrate the clash of philosophies defining this burgeoning rivalry: the relentless, distributed perimeter firepower of OKC versus the powerful, star-driven interior attack of New Orleans. For the Thunder, it’s proof of concept. For the Pelicans, it’s a clear challenge: adapt, find consistent shooting, and harness their elite talent more effectively against the league’s most explosive offenses. As these young cores continue to evolve, their matchups promise high stakes, dazzling performances, and more chapters written in the box score.
You May Also Read: Baltimore Orioles vs San Francisco Giants Match Player Stats: Decoding a Rare Interleague Clash
FAQs
What was the most surprising stat from the Thunder’s win?
Hands down, the franchise-record 27 made three-pointers. It showcased their incredible depth and shooting prowess, completely overwhelming the Pelicans.
How did Zion Williamson perform against Chet Holmgren?
Zion was efficient scoring inside (17 pts, 63.6% FG) but was held below his season average. Holmgren’s 5 blocks and overall rim presence significantly impacted Zion’s opportunities and the Pelicans’ interior attack, making it a compelling individual matchup won by Holmgren defensively on this night.
Besides SGA, who was the biggest key for OKC?
Aaron Wiggins was the game-changer off the bench. His 24 points (6/9 from three) provided an unstoppable scoring punch the Pelicans’ reserves couldn’t answer, exemplifying OKC’s superior depth.
Why did the Pelicans struggle so much offensively?
Beyond OKC’s hot shooting, the Pelicans’ own stars struggled (Ingram 5/15 FG, McCollum 37.5% FG). They couldn’t match OKC’s three-point volume or efficiency (only 11 made threes vs. 27), and while efficient inside, scoring solely at the rim isn’t enough against a team raining threes.
Is this three-point shooting sustainable for OKC?
While 27 threes is an outlier, OKC’s system is built for high-volume, high-quality three-point attempts. Their depth of capable shooters (SGA, Dort, J-Dub, Joe, Wiggins, Holmgren) makes them consistently dangerous, even if they don’t hit a record every night.
What do the Pelicans need to do differently next time?
They need significantly better shooting performances from Ingram and McCollum, more bench production, and potentially more aggressive defensive schemes to disrupt OKC’s perimeter rhythm without leaving the rim completely vulnerable to drives.
Does this game signal a shift in the rivalry’s balance?
It certainly emphasizes OKC’s current strengths and the challenge they pose to New Orleans. The Thunder’s style, depth, and star power looked superior in this specific matchup. However, with Zion, Ingram, and Murphy, the Pelicans have the talent to adjust. Future games will be crucial tests.
