A 32-point deficit was not impossible to overcome, but the Thunder failed to do it.
In fact, before the third quarter was even halfway over, when the gap had widened beyond 40 points, the Thunder's mentality had already collapsed.
In the end, the Pelicans crushed the Thunder 126-88 at home, claiming victory in their Season Opening Game.
Westbrook led the Thunder in scoring, shooting 7-for-25 for 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Griffin had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Pelicans had scoring contributions from all over, with seven players who scored in double digits.
The Four Superstars all played only three quarters. Walker led the team with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists; Tang Tian had 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists; Davis posted 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Butler added 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.
Off the bench, Brogdon had 16 points and 5 assists, Bojan scored 12 points, Siakam had 11 points and 3 rebounds, Dedmon recorded 6 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Lamb had 6 points.
It was a textbook rout.
"38 points! Actually, the gap was 45 points after three quarters! That's terrifying!"
"Even more terrifying, Tang only took 11 shots in total, less than half his average shot attempts from last season..."
"Tang: I haven't even started trying, and you're already on your knees calling me daddy!"
"The only shame was that the Pelicans' four superstars didn't play in the final quarter. Otherwise, they definitely would've gone for a 58-point margin again!"
"That was way too brutal. The Thunder didn't have even the slightest chance!"
"Say, with the way the Pelicans played, aren't they the strongest team in NBA history?"
"Nothing special, just Third in the League."
"-________-''"
"This proves ESPN's