Thunder Cruises Past Pelicans In The Big Easy

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans. 

That's the first time that sentence has ever been written.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 54 points as the Thunder took down the newly-named Pelicans 109-95 Friday night in New Orleans. 

Oklahoma City (14-4) shot an impressive 50.6 percent from the floor while holding the Horn..er...Pelicans to just 37.5 percent from the floor and 18.8 percent from 3-point range.

Specifically, Durant scored 29 and grabbed eight rebounds while Westbrook added 25 points, four assists and four steals.  Serge Ibaka chipped in 17 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks to anchor the Thunder's interior, while Reggie Jackson starred again off the OKC bench, scoring 15 points with four boards and four dimes.  

Ryan Anderson led the Pelicans with 18 points on 5-17 shooting, while Jrue Holiday and Eric Gordon each scored 16.  New Orleans' bench was also strong Friday night. Tyreke Evans scored 11, while Anthony Morrow added 10.  Brian Roberts chipped in nine.

The Thunder outscored the Pelicans 48-38 in the paint and 17-10 on the fast break.

Oklahoma City is back in action Sunday evening against the NBA-leading Indiana Pacers.  Tip is set for 6 p.m. at Chesapeake Energy Arena.