4 things the Thunder must do to win Game 3 against the Pelicans

After a lopsided Game 2 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Oklahoma City Thunder travel on the road with a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round series of the 2024 NBA playoffs.

The Thunder hope to win their first playoff series since 2016. The trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have translated their regular-season success over to the postseason thus far.

Meanwhile, the Zion-less Pelicans have struggled, barely generating 92 points in both losses. Brandon Ingram has looked limited due to outstanding defense by OKC and a knee bruise that’s likely still hampering him.

The Thunder have a chance to apply a lethal amount of pressure on the Pelicans with a Game 3 win. A win on Saturday will essentially be a series-ender ender as no team has ever made a 0-3 comeback in league history.

Here are four things the Thunder must do in Game 3 to create an insurmountable 3-0 lead over the Pelicans.