Oklahoma City Thunder advance in NBA playoffs for first time since 2016

NEW ORLEANS — Just as the series had seen over and over — whether early in blowouts or in the game’s final minutes — the Oklahoma City Thunder swiftly choked life from the New Orleans Pelicans in a 97-89 Game 4 win and sweep.

It marks Oklahoma City’s first playoff series win since the 2015-16 season, the last time Thunder fans were brimming with this level of hope. With dreams of contention. 

That’s eight seasons, five trips to the postseason, three eras of Thunder basketball, a kiss goodbye to the two placeholder seasons that built this team, and one arrival — not appearance — that Sam Presti was hoping for.

A mark of where this young Thunder squad stands, it did it without an overwhelming performance from its MVP candidate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who fell over after a shot attempt to end the first quarter after seemingly stepping on a pair of teammates’ ankles, had his least efficient output of the series. He shot just 8 for 21 from the field and made six free throws, scoring 24 points. 

In possibly the series’ ugliest game (and Game 1 happened), it was Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams who delivered with shotmaking. Giddey hit gutsy 3s, shooting 4 for 6 from deep. Williams added 24 points on 17 shots

Ugliness aside, the Pelicans appeared like a team with the desperation that comes with playing in a season-ending game. Willie Green played Jose Alvarado like it was his last game. Naji Marshall aimed to be a hero, drilling four 3s. But it wasn’t enough to outlast the verve of the Thunder, which held New Orleans to its fourth straight game under 93 points.

The Thunder, which became the youngest team in NBA history to win a playoff series, will face either the Clippers or Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals. Los Angeles and Dallas are tied two games apiece.