Pelicans Rally From 24-Point Deficit, Beat Thunder

The New Orleans Pelicans opened the preseason with a 116-110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Tulsa, overcoming a deficit that reached 24 points and outscoring Oklahoma City 64-43 after halftime. The Pelicans’ reserves sparked an 18-0 third-quarter run, with Bennedict Mathurin scoring 13 points, Jeremiah Fears adding 12 and Derik Queen recording 10 points and nine rebounds. The comeback came against a Thunder team resting several stars, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. New Orleans’ starters struggled, and the early defensive lapses and lack of reliable three-point shooting highlighted areas the team will need to address.