Thunder Defeat Pelicans 123-118 to Close Out Season

Pelicans miss playoffs after disappointing 123-118 loss to Thunder. In the final seconds, a crucial turnover by Jones and McCollum sealed their fate.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seals Thunder's victory with clutch performance, scoring 32 points and sinking two free throws for the win. In the final 30 seconds, Gilgeous-Alexander's driving layup puts Thunder ahead 115-114, securing their victory over New Orleans.

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Despite the absence of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram's 30-point performance and Trey Murphy III's 21 points led the Pelicans. However, Williamson's season-ending hamstring injury in January left the team struggling, resulting in a disappointing end to the season with a 42-40 record and no playoffs.

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The victors move on to battle the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday. This play-in game determines the last playoff spot, and the winner faces the formidable Denver Nuggets as the top seed in the Western Conference.

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