Hayes shines as Pelicans outlast Thunder in overtime

The odds were certainly not in the favor of the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night in Oklahoma City.

New Orleans had to play at home Thursday night, defeating San Antonio.

Then, the Pelicans had to board a plane, fly to Oklahoma City and play the second of a back-to-back in home and away fashion.

On top of that, the Pelicans were again without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr.

Somehow, the Pelicans dug deep, displaying their enormous depth in a 128-125 overtime victory over the Thunder.

It was a victory rescued after New Orleans let a huge lead get away.

The Pelicans started fast, taking a 33-23 lead after one quarter and leading 64-46 at halftime after leading by as many as 21 points.

The Pelicans went cold in the third quarter, scoring just 16 points and led just 80-77 going to the final quarter.

Oklahoma City had a shot to win it at the buzzer in regulation but missed.

Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum each hit a big 3-pointer in overtime.

With so much star power missing, the Pelicans needed a collective, solid team effort and got it.

Murphy had 23 points to lead seven players in double figures for the Pelicans but the real story was Jaxson Hayes.

The reserve front court player has registered more DNP’s than games played this season but he was called upon and he responded in huge fashion with season highs of 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.

McCollum scored 17 points and had 11 assists with six rebounds, Naji Marshall had 17 points and eight rebounds, Herb Jones scored 15 points, Jose Alvarado had 11 points and Jonas Valanciunas scored 10 points.

The Pelicans won the battle of the boards 55-47 and won the game at the free throw line, making 33 of 40 attempts, outscoring Oklahoma City 33-18 at the line.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant for the Thunder with 44 points and 10 rebounds and narrowly missed a 40-footer at the buzzer in overtime which would have sent the game into a second extra period after Hayes missed a pair of free throws.

The Pelicans overcame 21 turnovers.

It was a big win for the Pelicans after letting a huge lead get away and after their season-long struggles in overtime games.

Now 20-12, the Pelicans return home to host Indiana Monday night.