The top-seeded Thunder avoided an upset in their playoff opener.
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander dropped in a game-high 29 points as the Thunder slipped past the Pelicans 94-92 in Game One of their first round series in OKC. Jalen Williams added 19 points and Chet Holmgren had 15 to go with 11 rebounds for the Thunder, who take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven set.
Trey Murphy the Third scored 21 points to lead New Orleans, which is without star Zion Williamson. CJ McCollum netted 20 points, while Brandon Ingram had just 12 in the setback.
Game Two is Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.