Pelicans erase 24-point deficit, beat Thunder 116-110 in preseason opener
New Orleans' starters outlasted Oklahoma City's deep reserves in Tulsa, storming back from 24 down for a 116-110 exhibition win.
TULSA, Okla.: The New Orleans Pelicans opened the preseason with a comeback, erasing a 24-point deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 on Tuesday night at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
The Thunder played without their main rotation and looked every bit the deeper team early, leading 34-28 after the first quarter and 67-52 at halftime before stretching the advantage to 24 points. The Pelicans, who kept their opening-night starters on the floor all night, finally broke through in the second half: an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter, a tying jumper from Bryce McGowens at 107, and a go-ahead basket from Karlo Matkovic with five-plus minutes to go.
Oklahoma City emptied its bench after halftime, giving the second half to two-way players and Exhibit-10 signees while the Pelicans stayed with Zion Williamson and the first unit. The Thunder managed just 17 fourth-quarter points as the offense fell apart.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pelicans with 13 points and five assists. Jeremiah Fears added 12 points, Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III scored 11 apiece, and Derik Queen contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. Five Pelicans finished in double figures.
For the Thunder, rookie Aday Mara, the No. 12 pick in the 2026 draft, posted 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting with nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in a single half of work. Bennett Stirtz had 15 points and six assists before leaving late with an apparent ankle injury, and Jared McCain added 12 points and five assists.
The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field and 16 of 33 from three-point range, but went cold when the deep reserves took over. The Pelicans shot 40 percent from the field and made up the difference at the line, going 34 of 47 on free throws.
It is only the preseason, but the Pelicans' starters got a full night of work against Oklahoma City's young depth, and left Tulsa with the win.
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