New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The new orleans pelicans vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from November 3, 2025, tell the story of a dominant Oklahoma City performance, with the Thunder defeating the Pelicans 137-106 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Oklahoma City combined efficient shooting, strong ball movement, and aggressive defense to secure a convincing 31-point victory.
For fans analyzing individual performances, fantasy basketball managers comparing player production, or readers reviewing the game beyond the final score, this matchup offers several important insights. The Thunder shot 56% from the field, made 20 three-pointers, and recorded 33 assists. New Orleans had some productive individual performances, including Zion Williamson’s 20 points and Trey Murphy III’s 19, but struggled to match Oklahoma City’s overall efficiency and defensive pressure.
This detailed breakdown examines the final score, quarter-by-quarter results, individual player statistics, team shooting numbers, defensive contributions, and the most important lessons from the game. The analysis uses the supplied ESPN box-score data, with statistical interpretation separated from information that cannot be independently established from the box score alone.
Game Overview: Pelicans vs Thunder
New Orleans Pelicans
Away team
106
Oklahoma City Thunder
Home team · Winner
137
Date
November 3, 2025
Venue
Paycom Center
Attendance
18,203
Winning margin
31 points
Source: supplied ESPN box-score data. Game status: Final.
The final score highlights the gap between the teams, but the underlying numbers explain how it developed. Oklahoma City recorded 47 made field goals compared with New Orleans’ 35. The Thunder also made four more three-pointers, committed five fewer turnovers, and collected four additional rebounds.
The Pelicans were not entirely ineffective offensively. They converted 40% of their three-point attempts and finished with 26 assists. Their problem was that these positive numbers did not translate into enough overall scoring to keep pace with the home team.
For reference, the original game information is available through the official ESPN box score.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats: Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The scoring progression shows that Oklahoma City established control early and maintained it throughout all four quarters. The Thunder scored at least 29 points in every period, giving New Orleans very little opportunity to reduce the deficit.
| Quarter | New Orleans Pelicans | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| First quarter | 22 | 39 |
| Second quarter | 30 | 36 |
| Third quarter | 30 | 33 |
| Fourth quarter | 24 | 29 |
| Final score | 106 | 137 |
First Quarter: Oklahoma City Establishes Control
Oklahoma City opened the game with 39 points, compared with 22 from New Orleans. The 17-point difference in the opening quarter created a difficult situation for the Pelicans before halftime was even approaching.
A first-quarter deficit of this size changes the decisions a team must make. Trailing players may need to take quicker shots, increase their three-point volume, or press harder defensively to generate turnovers. Those choices can help produce a comeback, but they can also create additional mistakes and less efficient possessions.
For the Thunder, the opening period provided a valuable cushion. They could continue playing their preferred offensive style without needing to force difficult shots simply to recover the lead.
The box-score totals confirm the early scoring gap, although quarter totals alone do not establish which individual plays or defensive matchups caused it.
Second Quarter: Pelicans Improve, but the Gap Remains
New Orleans scored 30 points in the second quarter, showing a better offensive return than in the opening period. However, Oklahoma City added another 36 points.
The six-point difference meant that the Pelicans gained no ground on the scoreboard during the quarter. Even a 30-point period was insufficient because the Thunder continued producing points at a higher rate.
This is an important distinction when evaluating offensive performance. A team can improve its own scoring without improving its position in the game. The relevant question is not simply whether the offense scores more points, but whether it scores enough relative to the opponent.
At halftime, Oklahoma City had scored 75 points, while New Orleans had 52. The resulting 23-point lead placed substantial pressure on the Pelicans for the remainder of the contest.
Third Quarter: Thunder Maintain Their Advantage
The Pelicans scored another 30 points after halftime, matching their second-quarter total. Oklahoma City responded with 33.
New Orleans therefore lost only three points relative to the Thunder during this period, making it a more competitive quarter than the first two in terms of the scoring margin. Nevertheless, the deficit remained substantial.
The third quarter illustrates why consistency matters in basketball. A trailing team needs to produce several consecutive positive stretches to erase a large deficit. One reasonably competitive period is rarely enough when the opponent continues scoring efficiently.
Oklahoma City’s ability to score 33 points without matching its first-quarter output suggests that its offense remained productive throughout the game.
Fourth Quarter: Oklahoma City Completes the Win
Oklahoma City scored 29 points in the final quarter, while New Orleans managed 24. The Thunder extended their advantage by another five points and finished with a 31-point victory.
The closing period confirmed that the Pelicans had not found a sustained way to reverse the game’s direction. Their 106-point total reflected several stretches of reasonable scoring, but the Thunder’s consistency and superior overall efficiency proved decisive.
Across the full game, Oklahoma City outscored New Orleans in every quarter. That pattern is more revealing than a single scoring explosion because it shows that the winning team maintained its advantage throughout the contest.
Complete New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats
New Orleans had five starters reach double figures, led by Zion Williamson’s 20 points and Trey Murphy III’s 19. Jeremiah Fears also contributed 16 points, while Herbert Jones added 12. These performances gave the Pelicans several reliable scoring options, but the team could not match Oklahoma City’s collective output.
Pelicans Starting Lineup Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Minutes |
| Zion Williamson | 20 | 9 | 6 | 1 | Not listed | 28 |
| Trey Murphy III | 19 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Not listed | 32 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 16 | 4 | 4 | Not listed | Not listed | 26 |
| Herbert Jones | 12 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Not listed | 24 |
| Yves Missi | 7 | 6 | Not listed | Not listed | 2 | 22 |
Note: The supplied player data does not list every category for every player. An unlisted statistic should not be interpreted as a verified zero.
Zion Williamson: 20 Points, 9 Rebounds, 6 Assists
Zion Williamson was New Orleans’ leading scorer, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 28 minutes.
His performance stands out because it extended beyond scoring. Nine rebounds placed him close to a double-double, while six assists showed that he also contributed to creating opportunities for teammates.
Williamson’s combination of scoring and passing can be valuable against a defense that concentrates on stopping primary scorers. When he draws defensive attention, teammates may have opportunities to attack open spaces or receive passes in advantageous positions.
However, the team’s overall result shows the limits of an individual performance. Even with 20 points and 15 combined rebounds and assists, Williamson could not compensate for the Thunder’s greater scoring efficiency across the lineup.
His nine rebounds were also one short of a double-double based on the standard points-and-rebounds or points-and-assists definitions. He did not reach 10 in either category.
Trey Murphy III: 19 Points in 32 Minutes
Trey Murphy III recorded 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 32 minutes. He was New Orleans’ second-leading scorer.
Murphy’s scoring output gave the Pelicans another dependable offensive contributor alongside Williamson. His presence is particularly relevant when evaluating how teams can spread scoring responsibility across multiple players rather than rely on one high-volume scorer.
The supplied team statistics show that New Orleans converted 16 of 40 three-point attempts, an impressive 40% success rate. However, individual three-point makes and attempts for Murphy are not included in the supplied player summary. His personal shooting efficiency therefore cannot be established from these figures alone.
Murphy’s 32 minutes were the highest among the listed Pelicans starters. That reflects a substantial role in the contest, although minutes alone cannot establish whether he was more or less effective than another player.
Jeremiah Fears: 16 Points and 4 Assists
Jeremiah Fears finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes.
His 16 points placed him third among the Pelicans’ listed starters. Four assists also indicate that his contribution extended beyond direct scoring.
For a young guard, balancing scoring with playmaking is an important part of offensive development. The ability to create a shot for himself while also finding teammates can make a player more difficult to defend.
Still, a complete evaluation would require additional information, including field-goal attempts, turnovers, shot selection, and the quality of the possessions he initiated. The supplied statistics establish his production but do not provide enough detail to assess those elements conclusively.
Herbert Jones: 12 Points and 2 Steals
Herbert Jones contributed 12 points, one rebound, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.
His two steals were the highest among the Pelicans’ listed starters. Steals can change the pace of a game by interrupting an opponent’s possession and potentially creating transition opportunities.
However, individual steals are only one part of defensive performance. A player can defend effectively without recording a steal, while a steal total does not measure every successful contest, rotation, or forced difficult shot.
Jones’ numbers show that he contributed on both ends, but the wider team statistics reveal a defensive challenge for New Orleans. The Pelicans recorded six steals in total, compared with 12 for Oklahoma City.
Yves Missi: 7 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
Yves Missi recorded seven points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 22 minutes.
His two blocks were a useful defensive contribution, particularly for a team that needed to limit Oklahoma City’s scoring near the basket. Blocks can prevent immediate scoring opportunities, although they do not capture all forms of rim protection or defensive positioning.
Missi’s six rebounds also provided support on the glass. Yet New Orleans finished with 38 rebounds overall, four fewer than the Thunder.
The statistics suggest that Missi contributed interior defense and rebounding, but a full assessment of his performance would require shot-contest data, defensive matchup information, and possession-level context.
Pelicans Bench Player Statistics
New Orleans received points from several bench players, but the second unit did not generate enough total scoring to close the gap.
| Bench player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Minutes |
| Jordan Poole | 11 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Not listed | 24 |
| Kevon Looney | 3 | 3 | 2 | Not listed | 1 | 16 |
| Karlo Matkovic | 4 | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 7 |
| Derik Queen | 4 | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 7 |
| Jose Alvarado | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Not listed | 18 |
| Saddiq Bey | 2 | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 19 |
| Micah Peavy | 3 | 1 | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | 7 |
| Bryce McGowens | 0 | Not listed | 2 | Not listed | Not listed | 3 |
| Jordan Hawkins | 0 | 0 | 0 | Not listed | Not listed | 7 |
Jordan Poole: 11 Points Off the Bench
Jordan Poole was New Orleans’ leading bench scorer with 11 points, three assists, one rebound, and one steal in 24 minutes.
His scoring helped the Pelicans maintain additional offensive production outside their starting lineup. Three assists also indicate some playmaking contribution.
However, the supplied data does not include his shooting attempts or efficiency. It is therefore not possible to determine whether his 11 points came through efficient shooting, free throws, or a combination of methods.
Kevon Looney: Rebounding and Interior Support
Kevon Looney recorded three points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block in 16 minutes.
Although his scoring total was limited, his rebounds and assists provided additional contributions. Frontcourt players can affect a game through screening, passing, positioning, and defensive work that does not always appear in the headline statistics.
Looney’s one block added to New Orleans’ interior defensive production, but the overall team numbers show that Oklahoma City still converted 56% of its field-goal attempts.
Contributions From the Remaining Bench
Karlo Matkovic and Derik Queen each scored four points. Jose Alvarado added three points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Micah Peavy contributed three points and two assists, while Saddiq Bey recorded two points and two rebounds. Bryce McGowens had two assists in three minutes, and Jordan Hawkins finished without a recorded point, rebound, or assist.
These figures provide a snapshot of the bench rotation. They should not be treated as a complete measure of player value because the supplied data does not include every defensive action, screen, contested shot, or lineup combination.
The larger issue was the team’s inability to match Oklahoma City’s scoring output across the full roster. Several Pelicans reached double figures, but the Thunder’s scoring was spread across an equally productive group of starters and reserves.
Complete Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats
Oklahoma City’s player statistics reveal a balanced performance led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder also received meaningful scoring from Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and several other rotation players.
Thunder Starting Lineup Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Minutes |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 30 | 2 | 7 | 1 | Not listed | 30 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | 14 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 26 |
| Aaron Wiggins | 15 | 1 | 1 | Not listed | 1 | 26 |
| Cason Wallace | 13 | 0 | 1 | 5 | Not listed | 26 |
| Jaylin Williams | 12 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 23 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Game-High 30 Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 30 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 30 minutes.
His scoring was the highest individual output in the game. Reaching 30 points while also producing seven assists illustrates the dual responsibilities of a primary offensive creator: finishing possessions himself and helping teammates score.
The seven assists also formed part of Oklahoma City’s 33-assist team total. That figure indicates that the Thunder generated a substantial number of baskets through credited passes rather than relying exclusively on individual shot creation.
One useful distinction is that 30 points do not automatically establish a player’s shooting efficiency. To calculate that accurately, a full analysis would need his field-goal attempts, three-point attempts, and free-throw attempts. Those individual shooting splits are not included in the supplied summary.
Even with that limitation, his game-high scoring total and seven assists establish him as one of the most productive offensive players in this matchup.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 Points, 14 Rebounds, 8 Assists
Isaiah Hartenstein produced one of the most complete statistical performances of the game, recording 14 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes.
He secured a double-double through points and rebounds and came within two assists of a triple-double.
His performance is particularly notable because of the combination of interior production and playmaking. A center who can rebound consistently and distribute the ball can help an offense operate without forcing every possession through a guard.
Hartenstein’s 14 rebounds led all players in the supplied data. His eight assists also tied Ajay Mitchell for the highest individual assist total in the game.
The numbers suggest that he was influential in several areas:
- Rebounding: His 14 boards provided substantial work on the glass.
- Playmaking: Eight assists showed significant passing involvement.
- Scoring: His 14 points added another dependable scoring option.
- Defense: One steal and one block contributed to the team’s defensive statistics.
These figures make Hartenstein a central player in understanding why Oklahoma City controlled multiple statistical categories. His performance was not limited to finishing plays around the basket.
Aaron Wiggins: 15 Points in 26 Minutes
Aaron Wiggins finished with 15 points, one rebound, one assist, and one block in 26 minutes.
His scoring gave Oklahoma City another double-digit contributor behind Gilgeous-Alexander. Having several players capable of reaching double figures can make an offense less dependent on one individual having an exceptional shooting night.
Wiggins also recorded one block, providing a defensive contribution beyond his scoring total. The supplied information does not include his field-goal attempts or shooting splits, so his efficiency cannot be measured precisely here.
Nevertheless, 15 points in 26 minutes represent meaningful offensive production within a game in which the Thunder scored 137 points.
Cason Wallace: 13 Points and 5 Steals
Cason Wallace recorded 13 points, one assist, and five steals in 26 minutes. The supplied summary lists no rebounds for him.
His five steals were the highest individual total in the game. This defensive activity is especially significant because the Thunder finished with 12 steals as a team, twice New Orleans’ six.
Steals can create a direct scoring opportunity before the opposing defense has time to organize. They can also disrupt offensive rhythm and force players to become more cautious with their passing.
However, a steal total alone cannot establish the full quality of a defensive performance. It does not measure every forced turnover, deflection, contest, or successful rotation. Nor does it establish how many transition points followed the steals.
Wallace’s combination of 13 points and five steals nevertheless makes him one of the most statistically distinctive performers in the game.
Jaylin Williams: 12 Points and 4 Assists
Jaylin Williams contributed 12 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 23 minutes.
His four assists were useful evidence of Oklahoma City’s ball movement extending beyond its primary scorers. The Thunder had multiple players capable of passing productively, which helped the team finish with 33 assists.
Williams also recorded a steal and a block, adding contributions in two defensive categories. The combined line reflects an all-around performance rather than one based exclusively on scoring.
His statistics are another example of how Oklahoma City’s production was distributed across its starting lineup.
Thunder Bench Player Statistics
Oklahoma City’s reserves added points, rebounds, assists, and defensive contributions. Isaiah Joe led the bench in scoring with 13 points, while Branden Carlson scored 11 and Ajay Mitchell supplied 10 points and eight assists.
| Bench player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Minutes | |—|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:| | Isaiah Joe | 13 | 5 | 1 | 1 | Not listed | 27 | | Branden Carlson | 11 | 5 | 1 | Not listed | 20 | | Ajay Mitchell | 10 | 5 | 8 | 1 | Not listed | 30 | | Alex Caruso | 8 | 2 | Not listed | 1 | 1 | 12 | | Chris Youngblood | 6 | 1 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 7 | | Ousmane Dieng | 3 | 1 | 1 | Not listed | Not listed | 6 | | Brooks Barnhizer | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Not listed | 7 |
Isaiah Joe: 13 Points and Five Rebounds
Isaiah Joe scored 13 points and collected five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 27 minutes.
His scoring helped maintain the Thunder’s offensive output beyond the starting group. The supplied data records one three-pointer for some other bench players but does not provide Joe’s exact three-point shooting line.
Consequently, his personal three-point efficiency cannot be established from the provided summary. His 13 points are still an important part of the team’s broad scoring distribution.
Branden Carlson: 11 Points and Five Rebounds
Branden Carlson contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes.
His double-digit scoring gave Oklahoma City another productive reserve. Five rebounds also supported the team’s overall rebounding advantage.
Carlson’s performance illustrates how bench contributions can extend a team’s advantage when starters rest. The important point is not merely that the reserves scored, but that Oklahoma City maintained its overall level of production across different player combinations.
Ajay Mitchell: 10 Points and 8 Assists
Ajay Mitchell finished with 10 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 30 minutes.
His eight assists tied Hartenstein for the highest individual total in the game. Mitchell’s line is particularly interesting because it shows that Oklahoma City’s playmaking was not restricted to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Mitchell scored in double figures while also contributing substantially to teammate scoring opportunities. That combination added another source of offensive organization and reduced the need for every possession to be initiated by the leading scorer.
His 30 minutes were also the highest among the listed Thunder bench players, indicating an extensive role in the rotation for this game.
Alex Caruso and the Remaining Reserves
Alex Caruso scored eight points, collected two rebounds, recorded one steal, and blocked one shot in 12 minutes. Chris Youngblood added six points and one rebound in seven minutes.
Ousmane Dieng finished with three points, one rebound, and one assist, while Brooks Barnhizer recorded two points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
These contributions helped complete a team performance in which Oklahoma City had several sources of scoring and playmaking. Their individual numbers should be considered alongside the team’s broader efficiency rather than evaluated by points alone.
Team Statistical Comparison: Pelicans vs Thunder
The clearest explanation for Oklahoma City’s victory comes from comparing the two teams across shooting, rebounding, passing, and defensive activity. The Thunder held the advantage in nearly every major category listed in the supplied box score.
| Statistical category | New Orleans Pelicans | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Final points | 106 | 137 |
| Field goals made/attempted | 35/80 | 47/84 |
| Field-goal percentage | 44% | 56% |
| Three-pointers made/attempted | 16/40 | 20/48 |
| Three-point percentage | 40% | 42% |
| Free throws made/attempted | 20/32 | 23/26 |
| Free-throw percentage | 63% | 88% |
| Total rebounds | 38 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 34 |
| Assists | 26 | 33 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 11 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Personal fouls | 22 | 22 |
Percentages are shown as supplied and rounded to whole numbers. The underlying made and attempted totals are more precise for independent calculations.
Field-Goal Efficiency: Oklahoma City’s Biggest Advantage
The Thunder made 47 of 84 field-goal attempts, while the Pelicans made 35 of 80.
Using the raw totals, Oklahoma City’s field-goal percentage was approximately 56.0%, compared with 43.75% for New Orleans. That is a difference of roughly 12.25 percentage points.
The Thunder attempted only four more field goals but made 12 more. This difference alone accounts for 24 additional points from made field goals when comparing the teams’ two-point and three-point values collectively, although three-point baskets contribute an extra point per make.
More importantly, the difference indicates that Oklahoma City converted a considerably larger share of its attempts.
A higher field-goal percentage can result from several factors, including open shots, successful drives, effective passing, favorable shot selection, and finishing near the basket. The box score establishes the efficiency gap but does not isolate the exact contribution of each factor.
Three-Point Shooting: Both Teams Found Success
New Orleans made 16 of 40 three-point attempts, while Oklahoma City made 20 of 48.
| Three-point measure | Pelicans | Thunder |
| Three-pointers made | 16 | 20 |
| Three-point attempts | 40 | 48 |
| Calculated accuracy | 40.0% | 41.7% |
| Points from three-pointers | 48 | 60 |
Both teams shot well from beyond the arc. New Orleans converted 40% of its attempts, while Oklahoma City’s calculated percentage was approximately 41.7%.
The Thunder made four more three-pointers, worth 12 additional points from that category. They also attempted eight more shots from deep.
This is an important nuance in the result. The Pelicans’ three-point accuracy was respectable, and the game cannot fairly be described as a case of New Orleans simply failing to make outside shots. Oklahoma City matched that accuracy and generated more successful attempts.
The difference in total output came from the combination of volume and efficiency. The Thunder made more threes while also converting a higher percentage of their overall field-goal attempts.
Free-Throw Shooting: A Major Efficiency Gap
Oklahoma City converted 23 of 26 free throws, while New Orleans made 20 of 32.
| Free-throw measure | Pelicans | Thunder |
| Free throws made | 20 | 23 |
| Free throws attempted | 32 | 26 |
| Calculated percentage | 62.5% | 88.5% |
| Points from free throws | 20 | 23 |
The Pelicans attempted six more free throws but scored three fewer points from the line. Their 62.5% conversion rate was considerably lower than the Thunder’s 88.5%.
This difference matters because free throws offer scoring opportunities without requiring a field-goal attempt. Missed free throws can reduce the value of possessions in which a team has successfully drawn a foul.
In this game, New Orleans left 12 free throws unconverted, compared with three for Oklahoma City. That represents nine more missed free throws for the Pelicans.
The free-throw gap did not independently account for the entire 31-point margin, but it was a meaningful part of the scoring difference.
Rebounding: New Orleans Won the Offensive Rebound Count
Oklahoma City recorded 42 total rebounds, compared with 38 for New Orleans. However, the breakdown reveals a more interesting pattern.
| Rebounding category | Pelicans | Thunder |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 34 |
| Total rebounds | 38 | 42 |
The Pelicans secured four more offensive rebounds, which can create additional possessions after missed shots. Offensive rebounds are valuable because they offer a second chance to score without requiring a new defensive stop.
However, Oklahoma City recorded eight more defensive rebounds. This helped the Thunder finish defensive possessions by collecting missed Pelicans shots.
The overall four-rebound advantage therefore does not tell the entire story. New Orleans performed better in offensive rebounding, while Oklahoma City controlled the defensive rebound count.
A complete assessment of second-chance production would also require points scored following offensive rebounds and the number of available rebound opportunities. Those figures are not included in the supplied summary.
Assists: Oklahoma City’s Passing Advantage
The Thunder recorded 33 assists, compared with 26 for the Pelicans.
That seven-assist difference supports the conclusion that Oklahoma City generated more assisted scoring opportunities. The Thunder had several players capable of facilitating the offense, including Hartenstein and Mitchell with eight assists each and Gilgeous-Alexander with seven.
New Orleans also demonstrated some ball movement, finishing with 26 assists. Williamson contributed six, while Fears recorded four.
However, the Thunder’s higher assist total coincided with a substantially higher field-goal percentage. Together, these numbers are consistent with an offense that converted a larger proportion of its shots while involving multiple players in the creation of scoring opportunities.
Assists alone do not prove that every basket was a result of superior teamwork, but the combination of 33 assists and 47 made field goals is a useful indicator of Oklahoma City’s offensive production.
Turnovers and Steals: A Difference in Possession Security
The Pelicans committed 16 turnovers, while the Thunder committed 11. Oklahoma City also recorded 12 steals compared with New Orleans’ six.
These figures reveal two related advantages.
First, the Thunder protected the ball more effectively according to the turnover totals. Five fewer turnovers meant fewer possessions ended without a field-goal attempt or free-throw opportunity.
Second, Oklahoma City’s 12 steals indicate greater success in taking the ball away from its opponent. Wallace led the game with five steals, accounting for a substantial share of the Thunder’s total.
The relationship between turnovers and steals requires care. Not every turnover is a steal, because turnovers can also result from offensive fouls, traveling, bad passes that are not intercepted, and other violations.
Nevertheless, the combination of fewer turnovers committed and more steals recorded reflects a significant possession-management advantage for Oklahoma City.
Blocks and Defensive Activity
The Thunder recorded five blocks, compared with three for New Orleans. Both teams committed 22 personal fouls.
The two-block difference is modest relative to the overall result, but it adds to the picture of Oklahoma City’s defensive activity. Blocks can prevent shots from reaching the basket, while steals can end possessions before a shot is attempted.
The equal personal-foul totals also show that the Thunder did not commit more recorded personal fouls than the Pelicans. However, foul totals alone cannot establish which team defended more effectively or how often each side sent opponents to the free-throw line.
Taken together, the steals, blocks, rebounds, and turnover totals suggest that Oklahoma City was more successful in several defensive and possession-related categories.
Why Oklahoma City Won by 31 Points
The 137-106 result was not explained by a single statistical advantage. Instead, several differences worked together.
1. The Thunder Scored More Efficiently
Oklahoma City made 47 field goals on 84 attempts. New Orleans made 35 on 80 attempts.
The Thunder’s higher conversion rate created a large scoring advantage without requiring a dramatically higher number of field-goal attempts.
This is the most important distinction between shot volume and shot efficiency. Taking more shots can help, but converting a larger share of those attempts is often more valuable.
2. Oklahoma City Produced More Three-Pointers
The Thunder made 20 three-pointers, compared with 16 for the Pelicans. Because each made three-pointer is worth three points, the four additional makes represented a 12-point advantage in that category.
New Orleans’ 40% three-point accuracy was respectable, but the Thunder combined similar accuracy with greater volume.
3. Free Throws Favored Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City made 23 free throws, while New Orleans made 20. The Thunder’s much higher conversion rate meant they obtained more points from fewer attempts.
This is one of the clearest examples of why field-goal percentage alone cannot fully explain a basketball result. Scoring efficiency also depends on how well a team converts opportunities at the line.
4. The Thunder Created More Assisted Baskets
Oklahoma City’s 33 assists exceeded New Orleans’ 26. This indicates that the Thunder recorded more passes leading directly to made field goals.
The presence of several productive passers also made the offensive output less dependent on one player. Gilgeous-Alexander, Hartenstein, Mitchell, and Jaylin Williams all contributed meaningful assist totals.
5. Oklahoma City Won the Turnover Battle
The Thunder committed five fewer turnovers and recorded twice as many steals as the Pelicans.
A team that protects its possessions while disrupting the opponent’s possessions can create a significant advantage over the course of a game. Oklahoma City’s figures support that interpretation.
6. The Early Lead Changed the Game’s Context
The Thunder outscored the Pelicans 39-22 in the first quarter. That 17-point opening advantage placed New Orleans in a difficult position for the rest of the game.
The Pelicans subsequently scored 30 points in both the second and third quarters, but Oklahoma City continued scoring at a high rate.
The final margin was therefore the product of both a strong opening and continued production throughout the contest.
Advanced Statistical Analysis of the Matchup
Traditional box-score statistics provide a useful starting point, but a few additional calculations help explain the scale of the performance.
Estimated Effective Field-Goal Percentage
Effective field-goal percentage, commonly abbreviated as eFG%, adjusts field-goal percentage to account for the additional value of a three-point basket.
The formula is:
\[ \text{eFG\%} = \frac{\text{FGM}+0.5(\text{3PM})}{\text{FGA}} \]
Using the supplied statistics:
| Calculation | Pelicans | Thunder |
| Field goals made | 35 | 47 |
| Three-pointers made | 16 | 20 |
| Field-goal attempts | 80 | 84 |
| Calculated eFG% | 53.75% | 67.86% |
The effective field-goal percentage was approximately 53.8% for New Orleans and 67.9% for Oklahoma City.
This is a substantial gap. It means that once the extra value of three-pointers is considered, the Thunder’s shooting performance was even more impressive than the ordinary field-goal percentages suggest.
The formula does not include free throws or turnovers. It is a shooting-efficiency measure, not a complete measure of offensive performance.
Estimated Points Per Field-Goal Attempt
Another useful calculation is points scored from field goals divided by field-goal attempts. It helps illustrate the scoring value generated from the teams’ field-goal shooting.
For New Orleans, 35 field goals included 16 three-pointers. Its field-goal points were therefore:
(35-16)2+163=86
Dividing 86 points by 80 attempts gives approximately 1.075 points per field-goal attempt.
For Oklahoma City:
(47-20)2+203=114
Dividing 114 points by 84 attempts gives approximately 1.357 points per field-goal attempt.
| Measure | Pelicans | Thunder |
| Points from field goals | 86 | 114 |
| Field-goal attempts | 80 | 84 |
| Points per field-goal attempt | 1.075 | 1.357 |
This calculation isolates the scoring return from field-goal attempts. It shows that Oklahoma City generated considerably more scoring from its shooting opportunities.
It does not include free-throw points, and it should not be confused with true shooting percentage, which incorporates both field goals and free throws.
Estimating the Turnover Rate
A turnover rate estimates the proportion of offensive possessions that end in a turnover. A complete calculation generally requires a possession estimate incorporating field-goal attempts, offensive rebounds, turnovers, and free throws.
The supplied summary includes the relevant basic categories, but it does not provide a verified possession count or a detailed play-by-play reconstruction. For that reason, assigning an exact turnover percentage would introduce unnecessary uncertainty.
The simpler comparison remains useful: New Orleans committed 16 turnovers and Oklahoma City committed 11. The Thunder also recorded twice as many steals, suggesting that possession security and defensive disruption both favored the home team.
What the Advanced Numbers Tell Us
The calculations reinforce three conclusions:
- Oklahoma City converted field-goal attempts much more efficiently.
- The Thunder generated greater scoring value from three-point shooting and overall field-goal conversion.
- New Orleans’ respectable three-point percentage did not offset its disadvantages in overall shooting efficiency, turnovers, and free throws.
These are complementary findings rather than competing explanations. A team can shoot well from three-point range yet still lose significantly if it struggles to convert other shots, gives away possessions, and misses free throws.
What the Player Statistics Reveal About Each Team
The numbers from this game provide several useful lessons for evaluating both teams beyond the final score.
New Orleans Needs More Consistent Scoring Efficiency
The Pelicans scored 106 points and made 44% of their field goals. Their 40% three-point percentage was a positive result, but their overall shooting percentage was substantially lower than Oklahoma City’s.
The distinction suggests that three-point accuracy was not the only issue. The team also needed to convert more of its other field-goal attempts and improve its free-throw production.
The 20 points scored by Williamson and the 19 from Murphy gave New Orleans two strong individual scoring performances. Fears added 16 points, showing that the scoring burden was shared among several starters.
However, individual scoring totals do not necessarily translate into efficient team offense. A complete evaluation would also consider each player’s attempts, turnovers, offensive role, and the quality of shots generated.
Oklahoma City’s Balanced Production Was a Major Strength
The Thunder received 30 points from Gilgeous-Alexander, 14 from Hartenstein, 15 from Wiggins, 13 from Wallace, and 12 from Jaylin Williams.
Their bench also produced double-digit scoring from Joe, Carlson, and Mitchell. This gave Oklahoma City multiple contributors across the rotation.
The team finished with 33 assists and 47 made field goals. Those numbers are consistent with an offense in which several players participated in creating and finishing scoring opportunities.
The performance also highlights the value of complementary roles. Gilgeous-Alexander supplied the highest individual scoring total, Hartenstein combined rebounding with passing, and Wallace produced five steals. Different contributions strengthened different parts of the team’s overall performance.
The Turnover Gap Deserves Attention
The five-turnover difference may look small compared with the 31-point margin, but it represents an important possession-management advantage.
Turnovers can prevent a team from taking a shot at all. They may also create transition opportunities for the opposing team, although the exact number of points resulting from turnovers is not available in the supplied data.
New Orleans recorded 16 turnovers, compared with 11 for Oklahoma City. Combined with the Thunder’s 12 steals, the figures show that the Pelicans had difficulty maintaining the same level of possession security.
Rebounding Was More Complicated Than the Total Suggests
Oklahoma City won the total rebounding count 42-38, but New Orleans actually had more offensive rebounds.
That distinction matters because offensive rebounds can produce second-chance opportunities. A team may lose the total rebound count yet still create useful additional possessions by recovering its own missed shots.
The Thunder’s advantage came primarily on the defensive glass, where they recorded 34 rebounds compared with 26 for New Orleans. That helped them collect more of the Pelicans’ missed shots and end defensive possessions.
The data does not establish exactly how many second-chance points either team scored, so those outcomes should not be inferred from offensive rebounds alone.
How to Read NBA Match Player Statistics Correctly
A box score is most useful when its numbers are interpreted together rather than treated as isolated measures of performance.
Start With the Final Score and Quarter Results
The final score establishes the outcome, while quarter-by-quarter scoring shows how the game developed.
In this matchup, Oklahoma City led every quarter. Its 39-point opening period was especially important because it created a 17-point advantage immediately.
A close game with the same final shooting numbers might require a different interpretation if the scoring was concentrated in the final minutes. Here, the consistent quarter-by-quarter advantage supports the conclusion that the Thunder controlled the contest throughout.
Compare Individual Production With Team Totals
A player’s points should be read alongside rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes played.
For example, Hartenstein’s 14 points become more meaningful when considered with 14 rebounds and eight assists. Wallace’s 13 points are only part of his contribution because he also recorded five steals.
Similarly, Williamson’s 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists provide a broader picture than his scoring total alone.
Use Shooting Attempts to Understand Efficiency
Points alone do not tell you how many attempts a player needed to score them. A 20-point performance can come from highly efficient shooting or a large number of attempts.
When individual shooting splits are available, examine:
- Field goals made and attempted.
- Three-pointers made and attempted.
- Free throws made and attempted.
- Turnovers.
- Minutes played.
These categories help distinguish scoring volume from scoring efficiency. In this particular game, team-level shooting data makes the efficiency gap clear, but the supplied individual summaries do not contain all the shooting details needed for complete player-by-player efficiency ratings.
Separate Confirmed Statistics From Interpretation
A reliable statistical article should distinguish recorded facts from explanations of why a result occurred.
For example, the Thunder’s 56% field-goal percentage is a recorded team statistic. The conclusion that superior shooting efficiency helped produce the victory is an interpretation supported by the scoring difference.
A stronger claim, such as identifying one specific defensive scheme as the reason for that efficiency, would require video analysis or detailed play-by-play evidence.
This distinction helps readers understand what the data proves and what remains a reasonable but unconfirmed explanation.
Important Data Notes and Statistical Limitations
The supplied ESPN text contains a few limitations that matter when interpreting the game.
First, some player-stat categories are missing from the individual summaries. Those missing values should not automatically be treated as zero.
Second, the supplied season-series information contains an inconsistency. It lists three Oklahoma City victories against New Orleans, on November 3, November 18, and January 28, but also reports the season series as 1-0. Those statements cannot both describe the same completed set of games accurately.
Third, the supplied records of 0-6 for New Orleans and 7-0 for Oklahoma City are described as records at the time shown. They should not be presented as current standings or used to establish a team’s later season record.
Finally, the statistics support a clear analysis of shooting, rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks, and scoring. They do not independently establish the details of individual defensive assignments, the effectiveness of specific plays, or the exact number of points produced after turnovers.
Keeping these limitations visible makes the analysis more useful and prevents the box score from being used to support claims that it cannot verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder game on November 3, 2025?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 137-106 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder won by 31 points.
2. Who scored the most points in the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the leading scorer with 30 points in 30 minutes. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 20 points.
3. Which player recorded the most rebounds?
Isaiah Hartenstein led all players with 14 rebounds. He also recorded 14 points and eight assists, giving him a double-double.
4. Who recorded the most assists?
Isaiah Hartenstein and Ajay Mitchell tied for the highest assist total, with eight each. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed with seven assists.
5. Which team shot more efficiently?
Oklahoma City shot approximately 56.0% from the field, compared with 43.75% for New Orleans. The Thunder also converted approximately 88.5% of their free throws, while the Pelicans converted 62.5%.
6. What was the biggest statistical difference between the teams?
The most significant differences included field-goal efficiency, three-point makes, free-throw accuracy, assists, and turnovers. Oklahoma City made 47 field goals to New Orleans’ 35, recorded 33 assists to the Pelicans’ 26, and committed 11 turnovers compared with 16.
Conclusion
The new orleans pelicans vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats show how Oklahoma City built a convincing 137-106 victory through efficient shooting, balanced scoring, and strong possession management. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the game with 30 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein’s 14 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists demonstrated the value of an all-around performance. Cason Wallace added five steals, and Ajay Mitchell contributed eight assists to an offense that finished with 33.
For New Orleans, Williamson’s 20 points, Murphy’s 19, and Fears’ 16 were notable individual contributions. The Pelicans also shot 40% from three-point range and collected 12 offensive rebounds. However, those strengths were offset by lower overall field-goal efficiency, a 63% free-throw percentage, and five more turnovers than Oklahoma City.
The central lesson from this matchup is that winning basketball depends on more than individual scoring totals. Shooting efficiency, ball movement, defensive disruption, and possession management can combine to create a substantial advantage even when the losing team has several productive players. The box-score figures provide a clear explanation of the final margin while also showing why each statistical category needs to be considered in context.
