Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Thunder to 7-0 Start with Dominant Win Over Pelicans

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their seventh consecutive win this season with a commanding 137-106 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 30 points, marking his 76th straight game scoring 20 or more points, tying the legendary Oscar Robertson for the franchise record.

The Thunder have maintained a perfect 7-0 record for the second year in a row, while the Pelicans continue to struggle, dropping their sixth consecutive game to start the season and extending a franchise-record-tying 13-game losing streak that includes last season.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who has posted 30 or more points in six of the Thunder's seven games this year, once again showcased his scoring prowess by reaching the 30-point mark within just three quarters for the second straight game. Oklahoma City set the tone early, opening with a 17-point lead after the first quarter and never allowing New Orleans to get closer than twelve points for the remainder of the game.

Starting strong, Gilgeous-Alexander was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field in the opening quarter and contributed five assists. He completed the game shooting 8-for-14 from the floor, converted all 13 of his free throws, and dished out seven assists. While his three-point shooting was limited, his teammates compensated by hitting a season-high 20 three-pointers on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

Jaylin Williams, making his first start of the season, led the Thunder efforts from long range with four three-pointers. Three other players contributed three each, highlighting the team’s sharp shooting from deep despite entering the game ranked last in the NBA for three-point accuracy.

The Thunder secured the victory without key players Chet Holmgren, sidelined for a third consecutive game due to back soreness, and Luguentz Dort, who was a last-minute scratch because of illness. Isaiah Hartenstein also delivered a strong all-around performance, posting 14 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Overall, eight Thunder players scored in double figures.

On the Pelicans’ side, Zion Williamson led with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Trey Murphy III added 19 points as New Orleans shot 43.8% overall and 40% from three-point range (16 of 40), but it was not enough to challenge the Thunder’s dominance.

The Thunder’s victory extends their unbeaten run, while the Pelicans face the daunting task of reversing a slump that has matched the franchise’s worst losing streak in its history.