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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Thunder Sweep Pelicans amid Zion Injury as NBA Fans Applaud Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Andrew PetersApr 29, 2024

The Oklahoma City Thunder are moving on to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after beating the New Orleans Pelicans 97-89 Monday night.

The Thunder controlled the first three games of the series before a tightly contested Game 4. Ultimately, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City past the Pelicans with a late 18-2 run. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Jalen Williams added 24.

Not only is it Oklahoma City's first series win since the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era, it's just the second series sweep in franchise history, with the other being in 2012 when the Thunder reached the Finals.

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After the win, fans praised the Thunder for taking care of business against the No. 8 seed.

Now Oklahoma City will await the winner of the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. The series is currently tied at two games apiece, and the Thunder will have plenty of time to rest and scout their future opponent after picking up the sweep.

The Thunder are one of the youngest teams in the league, but they looked like a veteran group in Round 1 and were rewarded with a sweep.