Thunder Overcome Pelicans In Gritty Home Victory

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a gritty, statement win on Tuesday night, toppling the New Orleans Pelicans 104-95 at the Paycom Center. This victory, coming on January 27, 2026, not only snapped a two-game skid for OKC but also pushed their impressive season record to 38-10. Despite being severely short-handed due to a slew of injuries, the Thunder showed resilience and poise, with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren stepping up when it mattered most.

The game, which tipped off at 7 p.m. CST (8 p.m. ET), was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, Gulf Coast Sports, WVUE, Pelicans+, and FDSOK, with streaming available via Fubo. For fans in Monroe, Louisiana, KNOE aired the matchup, causing a shake-up in their regular programming. Post-game coverage on KNOE ran from 9:30 to 10:00 p.m., while popular shows like 'Harlan Coben's Final Twist' and 'NCIS' were shifted to later dates and times to accommodate the NBA action.

This contest pitted a surging Thunder squad, entering the night with a 37-10 record, against a Pelicans team struggling at 12-36. While the odds heavily favored Oklahoma City—bookmakers set the spread at -14.5 for OKC and gave them a commanding -800 moneyline—the Pelicans were determined not to go down without a fight, especially after their recent 104-95 road win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Injuries played a significant role in shaping the narrative. The Thunder were without Thomas Sorber (knee), Jalen Williams (thigh), Nikola Topic (groin), Ajay Mitchell (hip), Alex Caruso (adductor), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), and Cason Wallace (hip). The Pelicans, meanwhile, missed Dejounte Murray (leg), Trey Alexander, and Hunter Dickinson, the latter two out on G League two-way assignments. With so many key contributors sidelined, both teams leaned heavily on their remaining stars and emerging talents.

The opening quarter was, frankly, a slog. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm, combining for a chilly 21.3% shooting from the field and just 13% from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren and Ousmane Dieng got things rolling for OKC, while New Orleans’ Derik Queen provided a spark for the visitors. At the end of the first, the Thunder led by a slim 17-14 margin—a testament to the defensive intensity and maybe some early-game jitters.

By halftime, the Thunder clung to a narrow 48-46 lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as he’s done all season, began to impose his will, tallying 12 points and 2 assists by the break. Isaiah Joe chipped in with 11 points, while Holmgren added 6 points and 5 rebounds. For the Pelicans, Derik Queen was the top scorer at intermission with 9 points and 3 boards, keeping his team within striking distance.

The third quarter saw Oklahoma City start to flex its muscles. Holmgren, continuing his strong play, finished the period with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while SGA added 19 points and 3 assists. Isaiah Joe remained a steady contributor, notching 17 points and 3 assists by the end of the third. The Thunder outscored the Pelicans 31-23 in the frame, extending their lead to 79-69 heading into the final quarter.

Down the stretch, the Thunder maintained their composure, with SGA ultimately pouring in a game-high 29 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Holmgren capped his night with a double-double—20 points, 14 rebounds, and a whopping 5 blocks—anchoring the defense and igniting the home crowd with several highlight-reel plays. Isaiah Joe’s 17 points and 3 assists rounded out a balanced offensive attack for Oklahoma City.

The Pelicans, to their credit, didn’t go quietly. Despite missing key players, they kept the pressure on, led by Queen and steady contributions from their supporting cast. But the Thunder’s defense, which has been among the NBA’s best this season (allowing just 107.9 points per game), clamped down when it mattered most.

As the final buzzer sounded, a minor scuffle broke out between Jeremiah Fears of the Pelicans and Lu Dort of the Thunder. Both benches cleared in the heat of the moment, and Fears had to be escorted into the tunnel by Pelicans staff members. While tempers flared briefly, cooler heads ultimately prevailed, and the focus quickly shifted back to the Thunder’s hard-fought victory. According to The Oklahoman, "Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort got into it after the buzzer, and both benches cleared. Fears had to be escorted into the tunnel by two Pelicans staff members."

It was an emotional night for Oklahoma City, who managed to pull out a win despite a depleted roster. For head coach Mark Daigneault, the performance was a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. The Thunder’s bench stepped up, and their defensive identity held firm. As Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman predicted before tipoff, "This also feels like a statement game for OKC. A chance to show it can still win despite being extremely short-handed."

New Orleans, meanwhile, drops to 12-37 on the year but showed flashes of promise, especially considering the adversity they’ve faced. With Trey Murphy III and Derik Queen providing offensive punch and Zion Williamson still a force in the paint, the Pelicans will look to regroup and build on the positives from their recent play.

The game’s broadcast also had ripple effects beyond the court. In Monroe, KNOE’s decision to air the Thunder-Pelicans matchup led to a reshuffling of regular programming. Fans tuning in for their favorite shows had to adjust, as 'Harlan Coben’s Final Twist,' 'NCIS,' and 'NCIS: Origins' were all pushed to later slots. 'Wheel of Fortune' was also rescheduled, underscoring just how much excitement this NBA clash generated across the region.

For Oklahoma City, this win sends a clear message to the rest of the NBA: even when the chips are down, the Thunder can find a way. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and Chet Holmgren blossoming into a bona fide star, OKC remains firmly in the hunt at the top of the Western Conference. The Pelicans, though battered, have shown they’re more than just their record and will be eager to bounce back in upcoming contests.

As the dust settles at Paycom Center, fans are already looking ahead. The Thunder’s victory not only steadies the ship but also reignites hopes for a deep playoff run, while the Pelicans search for answers and brighter days ahead. One thing’s for sure: in the NBA, every night brings a new story, and this one will be talked about for weeks to come.