The New Orleans Pelicans began their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder as if they were gold miners from Denver.
They were outscored by 19 points early on and the groans from the Smoothie King Center nearly caused a low humming earthquake in the Louisiana-area. Luckily, much like earthquakes, the groans only lasted shortly.
The defense finally got working and the Thunder inexplicably stopped doubling the Pelicans big men with a fearsome accuracy. This led to fewer turnovers for the Pels and even fewer easy baskets for the Thunder.
The Pelicans also got some help from Jameer Nelson again as he came in during the first and immediately hit some three-pointers and ran the offense as well as he has all year.