Oklahoma City began this season garnering very low expectations from the outside, but has been reasonably competitive through two weeks – with a notable exception being a 33-point loss to New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. The Thunder appeared motivated Wednesday to exact some revenge for that Dec. 31 rout, dominating the third quarter 34-19 and holding on late to hand the Pelicans a home defeat.
George Hill provided the decisive free throws, giving the visitors a one-point lead with 12 seconds left. Oklahoma City initially went up 10 points early in the fourth quarter, before New Orleans rallied to make it a nip-and-tuck affair in the final minutes.