Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder roll to 3-0 series lead with 106-85 win over the Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams was on his hands and knees after taking a hard shot to the eye on the opening possession of a pivotal playoff game.

By the third quarter, Williams was draining a pair of 3-pointers during a 9-0 run that had the New Orleans Pelicans reeling.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points, Williams and Josh Giddey each had 21 and the Thunder beat the Pelicans 106-85 on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

“Dub's very talented,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Williams, who has averaged about 20 points in the series and scored 13 of his Game 3 points in the second half. “He was clearly big tonight, very impressive and nothing we're not used to.”

The top-seeded Thunder entered the playoffs answering a lot of questions about the relative youth and inexperience on its roster — and that appeared justified after a two -point escape at home in Game 1 against the eighth-seeded Pelicans.

Since then, the Thunder have posted victory margins of 32 in Game 2 and 21 in Game 3, in no small part because of a relentless defensive effort that has kept the Pelicans to 92 or fewer points in all three games of the series.

“We were ready to play,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “Our physicality again, our defense and focus on that end of the floor was really, really good, made them earn everything. And I thought that set the tone.”

Oklahoma City hit 17 of 36 (47.2%) from 3-point range and held a lead of 10 points or more throughout the second half, going up by as many as 24 in the fourth quarter. By then, a contingent of Thunder fans could be heard chanting, “OKC! OKC!” as New Orleans fans filed out.

“We adjusted really well to the flow of the game. We got good looks,” Giddey said. “They threw a lot of different looks at us but we've got a lot of weapons on the floor at all times. So, guys made the right play, the extra pass.”

The Pelicans, who've been without star forward Zion Williamson during the series because of his hamstring injury, will try to avoid elimination at home in Game 4 on Monday night.

“It’s not over,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said of his message to the team. "Look, we’ve got another game here at home and we’re not going to fix all of our issues tonight. Go home, have a good meal and we’ll come back (Sunday) and practice and go over what we need to do and get ready for the next game.”

History is not on their side. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit.

“You can’t take your foot off the gas no matter what the lead is in a series,” Giddey said. “Neither team looks at this series as over.”

Brandon Ingram scored 19 points and CJ McCollum had 16 for New Orleans, which struggled to hit from the perimeter and to take care of the ball.

The Pelicans, who shot just 27.7% from 3-point range during the series' first two games combined, improved only marginally in their return home, hitting 28.1% (9 of 32). New Orleans also turned the ball over 21 times, leading to 23 Thunder points.

The game began ominously for the Thunder when Williams took a forearm to the face from Ingram while attempting a driving floater and fell to his hands and knees.

No foul was called on the collision, which sent Williams to the locker room for much of the first quarter before he checked back in late in the period.

The game was competitive until the Thunder went on a 14-0 run in the second quarter that gave Oklahoma City a 54-39 lead.

The surge began with a 3 by Gilgeous-Alexander before Lu Dort connected on three straight from deep.

“I’m sure us turning the ball over didn’t help," said Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, who scored 10 points. “Then they were just moving the ball really well and we had some defensive breakdowns. They were making shots and capitalizing off of our mistakes.”

After McCollum's 3 cut the Pelicans' deficit to 12, they had a chance to get closer in the final seconds of the half, but Gilgeous-Alexander stole the ball from McCollum and was fouled.

Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws to give the Thunder a 60-46 lead at halftime.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) knocks away a pass by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. The Thunder won 106-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. The Thunder won 106-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The New Orleans Pelicans bench watches late in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. The Thunder won 106-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green walks on the court after calling a timeout in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. The Thunder won 106-85. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) drives to the basket agsaint Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) goes to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault calls out from the bench in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) loses the ball into the arms of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) as he drives to the basket in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams falls to the court after being injured in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in New Orleans, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

MALMO, Sweden (AP) — It’s time for many people to don sequins and spangles — and for others to pick up protest banners and Palestinian flags — for Saturday’s final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

The competition that pits nations against one another for pop music glory is reaching its conclusion in the Swedish city of Malmo, with Croatia and Switzerland among those tipped to take the trophy, and Israel at the center of a political storm.

Hours before the final, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was dramatically booted out by organizers over a backstage incident. He had failed to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday, and contest organizer the European Broadcasting Union said it was investigating an “incident.”

The EBU said Swedish police were investigating “a complaint made by a female member of the production crew” and it would not be appropriate for Klein to participate while the legal process was underway.

Though rumors had been flying the incident was connected to Israel's delegation, organizers said the incident “did not involve any other performer or delegation member.”

Though the contest’s motto is “united by music,” this year’s event has attracted large protests from Palestinians and their supporters, who say Israel should be excluded because of its conduct of the war against Hamas.

Thousands of people are expected to march for the second time this week through Sweden’s third-largest city, which has a large Muslim population, to demand a boycott of Israel and a cease-fire in the seven-month war. In Finland, a group of about 40 protesters stormed the headquarters of public broadcaster YLE on Saturday morning, demanding it withdraw from the song contest because of Israel's participation.

Several miles (kilometers) from central Malmo at the Malmo Arena, 25 acts — narrowed from 37 entrants by two semi-final runoffs — are due to perform three-minute songs in front of a live audience of thousands and an estimated 180 million viewers around the world.

It all makes for a messy climax to an event that draws both adoration and derision with its campy, kitschy ethos and passion for pop.

Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of the contest, says that despite this year's divisions, “there is no other cultural event which brings Europeans together quite like Eurovision does.”

“Just this moment where everyone is watching the same television show, which is being broadcast live across 37 countries — that’s something very special.”

This year’s entries range from emotional to eccentric. They include the goofy 1990s nostalgia of Finland’s Windows95man, who emerges from a giant onstage egg wearing very little clothing. Ireland’s Bambie Thug summons witchy spirits onstage and has brought a scream coach to Malmo, while Spain’s Nebulossa boldly reclaims a term used as a slur on women in “Zorra.”

The favorites include Swiss singer Nemo — who would be the first nonbinary Eurovision winner if their operatic song “The Code” tops the voting — and Croatia’s Baby Lasagna. His song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” is a rollicking rock number that tackles the issue of young Croatians leaving the country in search of a better life.

Vuletic says that despite the contest’s reputation for disposable bubblegum pop, Eurovision often tackles “political and social issues such as feminism, European integration, gender identity.”

“And I think they’re the very interesting songs to look out for, especially because they’re the most highly ranked by the bookies,” he said.

Sometimes, though, songs run afoul of the contest’s ban on openly “political” statements. Eurovision organizers told Israel to change the original title of its song, “October Rain” — an apparent reference to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and triggered the Gaza war.

Israeli singer Eden Golan has shot up the odds since performing the power ballad, now titled “Hurricane,” in Thursday’s semifinal. Golan faced some booing at dress rehearsals, but was voted into the final by viewers around the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised 20-year-old Golan for performing despite “contending with an ugly wave of anti-Semitism.”

Protesters argue that Israel should not be allowed to take part amid a war that has killed almost 35,000 Palestinians.

“I don’t think they should be a part of it at all because they are committing crimes against humanity,” said local resident Lorenzo Mayr, who attended a demonstration on Thursday.

The competing musicians are feeling the pressure, inundated with messages and abuse on social media and unable to speak out because of the contest rules. Italy's contestant, Angelina Mango, made a statement by walking into the Eurovision media center on Friday and performing John Lennon's “Imagine” as dozens of journalists gathered around her.

Swedish singer Loreen, last year’s Eurovision champion — and one of only two performers to win the contest twice — urged people not to shut down the “community of love” that is Eurovision.

“What is happening in the world today and in different places is distorting and traumatizing all of us,” she told The Associated Press.

“What heals trauma …. Does trauma heal trauma? Does negativity heal negativity? It doesn’t work like that. The only thing that heals trauma for real — this is science — is love.”

Associated Press writers Hilary Fox in Malmo, Sweden, Jari Tanner in Helsinki and Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark contributed to this report.

Joost Klein of Netherlands arrives on stage for the introducing of the artists at the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. Klein's performance was cancelled for unknown reasons, he was supposed to perform before Israel. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

SABA of Denmark performs the song SAND during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

MEGARA of San Marino performs the song 11:11 during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Nutsa Buzaladze of Georgia performs the song Firefighter during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Angelina Mango of Italy sings the song Imagine from John Lennon in the media center after the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Angelina Mango of Italy performing the song La noia during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Windows95man of Finland performs the song No Rules! during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Olly Alexander of United Kingdom performs the song Dizzy during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Gate of Norway performing the song Ulveham during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

iolanda of Portugal performs the song Grito during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Marina Satti of Greece performing the song ZARI during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kaleen of Austria performing the song We Will Rave during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Raiven of Slovenia performs the song Veronika during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kaleen of Austria performing the song We Will Rave during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Slimane of France performing the song Mon amour during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bambie Thug of Ireland performs the song Doomsday Blue during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Swedish last year's winner Loreen sings during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Nemo of Switzerland performing the song The Code during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Mustii of Belgium performs the song Before the Party's Over during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Joost Klein of Netherlands arrives on stage for the introducing of the artists at the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. Klein's performance was cancelled for unknown reasons, he was supposed to perform before Israel. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Eden Golan of Israel performs the song Hurricane during the dress rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Friday, May 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Eden Golan of Israel performs the song Hurricane during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)