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October 7, 2026 at 4:52 AM UTC

Postgame Report

Pelicans Rally From 24 Down to Beat a Depleted Thunder in Tulsa

With Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the core resting, Oklahoma City led big early in its preseason opener before New Orleans' reserves took over for a 116-110 win.

NOP 116, OKC 110. Photo: Yahoo Sports.
NOP 116, OKC 110. Photo: Yahoo Sports.

The Thunder opened their preseason without most of the people who make them the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace all sat out Tuesday night, and New Orleans took advantage, coming back from 24 points down to win 116-110.

None of the absences looked like cause for worry. The six are expected back Wednesday, when Oklahoma City hosts Milwaukee, so this was back-to-back rest and not a medical report. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber were also out, though they won't be back on that timeline. The young pair has been limited in training camp, and the Thunder are bringing them along slowly.

That left the ball in other hands, and Jared McCain was the obvious beneficiary. With so many of the regular ball handlers in street clothes, he had a chance to run the offense for long stretches and make a case for a bigger role this season. The game was played at the BOK Center in Tulsa, not in Oklahoma City, with the Thunder back at home the next night.

The Pelicans' second unit decided it. Oklahoma City held a 67-52 lead at halftime and a cushion as large as 24 along the way, but New Orleans outscored the Thunder 64-43 after the break. The Pelicans' reserves drove that surge, and a preseason opener that began as a showcase for Thunder depth ended as a comeback for the visitors.

Pelicans win 116-110, and the Thunder already seem to be thinking about Milwaukee Photo: Yahoo Sports.
Pelicans win 116-110, and the Thunder already seem to be thinking about Milwaukee Photo: Yahoo Sports.
Pelicans beat the Thunder 116 to 110, proving depth charts are merely suggestions Photo: Yahoo Sports.
Pelicans beat the Thunder 116 to 110, proving depth charts are merely suggestions Photo: Yahoo Sports.

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