Why history is on OKC Thunder's side after taking 3-0 series lead vs New Orleans
The OKC Thunder rolled to a 106-85 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs' first round.
OKC now holds a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. And history is on the Thunder's side to make it out of the opening round for the first time since 2016.
No team in NBA history has won a playoff series after trailing 3-0. The combined record for teams in that scenario is 0-151.
Only four of those teams managed to force a Game 7. The most recent example came last season when the Boston Celtics forced a Game 7 against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals only to suffer a 103-84 home loss.
OKC will look to advance in Game 4 on the road Monday. A tipoff time has not yet been determined.
If OKC does advance to the second round, it'll face the winner of the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Dallas holds a 2-1 lead in that series.
More: Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder assistant coaches have rare continuity: 'No ego in the room'
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder's 3-0 series lead vs New Orleans puts history on OKC's side
