It was a fully packed Chesapeake Energy Arena in downtown Oklahoma on Friday night, as the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the new orleans Pelicans. It was the second preseason game for the Thunder this year, and they wanted to get their first win after losing to the Rockets earlier this week. Fans in Oklahoma were anxious to see Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook together on the floor for their first official game together. The Thunder acquired Anthony and George earlier this offseason and they are hoping that these two acquisitions will help them compete for the NBA championship next season.
OKC runs away with a solid victory
The Thunder opened up the game with a 28-point first quarter and held a 28-26 lead after the first period of the game. They increased their lead in the second quarter and led 53-44 at halftime. The Pelicans answered with a 29-point third quarter, but Oklahoma was still in front 77-73 heading into the final period of the game. OKC outscored New Orleans 25-18 in the fourth quarter and celebrated a convincing 102-91 victory in this one. The Thunder held the Pelicans to just 39.0 percent shooting from the field on Friday night.
Paul George led Oklahoma on Friday night with 25 points in 27 minutes of playing time, and he also added four rebounds and two steals. Carmelo Anthony added nine points and six rebounds, while Russell Westbrook finished with nine points and four assists.
Anthony Davis was the leading scorer for the Pelicans in their defeat. Davis finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while DeMarcus Cousins added 13 points and four rebounds. Jrue Holiday contributed with 11 points and six assists for New Orleans.
Spurs blow out the Kings
The San Antonio Spurs were looking for their first preseason victory this year on Friday night as they hosted the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings jumped out to an early lead, as they outscored the Spurs 24-15 in the first quarter. San Antonio responded with a huge second quarter, outscoring the Kings 36-24 in the period. The Spurs held a 51-48 lead at halftime. Heading into the final period of the game, San Antonio was in front by nine points (79-70) and they closed out the game routinely with a great fourth quarter.
The final scorer in this one was 113-93 for the home squad.
Danny Green led all scorer in this game as he finished with 20 points and three rebounds for the Spurs. Patty Mills added 15 points and six assists off the Spurs bench, while LaMarcus Aldridge contributed with 10 points for San Antonio.
Willie Cauley-Stein led the Kings in scoring with 14 points and also added nine rebounds. Buddy Hield helped with 12 points and four rebounds for Sacramento while De'Aaron Fox finished with 12 points and six assists.
