Bennedict Mathurin scored 13 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 116-110 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
The Pelicans trailed 67-52 at halftime but used a 38-point third quarter to cut the deficit to 93-90 entering the final period. New Orleans then completed the comeback by outscoring Oklahoma City 26-17 in the fourth.
Mathurin shot 3-of-5 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and went 5-of-5 from the free-throw line in 17 minutes. He also contributed five assists, two rebounds and two steals.
His impact grew after halftime. Mathurin hit a three-pointer with 4:22 remaining in the third quarter, then made three free throws on the same possession before adding two more free throws later in the quarter. He also assisted on baskets by Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey during New Orleans’ comeback.
Derik Queen added 10 points, nine rebounds and three steals in 17 minutes, while Jeremiah Fears finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Fears also shot 3-of-6 from the field and made both of his three-point attempts.
Jordan Poole scored nine points in 16 minutes, while Trendon Watford and Bryce McGowens each made important contributions during the fourth-quarter comeback. McGowens scored seven points, including a three-pointer that tied the game at 107-107 with 5:47 remaining.
New Orleans took control from there. Karlo Matkovic followed with a dunk, Watford added another dunk, and Jaron Pierre Jr. extended the lead to 114-107 with a 31-foot three-pointer with 4:45 left.
Zion Williamson scored 11 points in 16 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, while Trey Murphy III also had 11 points. Dejounte Murray recorded six points and six assists.
Oklahoma City was led by Bennett Stirtz, who scored 15 points and added six assists in 31 minutes. Aday Mara posted 12 points and nine rebounds while shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the field.
Jared McCain also scored 12 points, making four of his eight three-point attempts, while Kenrich Williams added nine points and eight rebounds.
The Thunder shot 53% from the field and 48% from three-point range, but New Orleans overcame that efficiency by forcing Oklahoma City into 22 turnovers. The Pelicans also finished with 24 assists and 14 steals.
New Orleans improved to 1-0 in the preseason, while Oklahoma City dropped to 0-1.
