NEW ORLEANS — When a Pelicans dunk midway through the fourth quarter cut Oklahoma City's lead to five, trouble had long been brewing in the Big Easy.
But as the crowd rocked momentarily in the Smoothie King Center, Andre Roberson swatted away a Pelicans shot on the break and the air went out of the arena.
Victor Oladipo followed with a 3-pointer on the fast break, locking up another historic Russell Westbrook triple-double. But Oladipo's steal and basket minutes later was just as important.
In the Thunder's 114-105 victory, when the defense returned, OKC was able to offset another third-quarter swoon for its second consecutive road win.