NEW ORLEANS Pelicans relied on a hot start before holding off Los Angeles Lakers, 129-109, in the 2023-2024 NBA Season on New Year’s Eve (Monday in the Philippines) at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Brandon Ingram led the way with 26 points, including four three-point conversions, while Zion Williamson chipped in 26 markers as the Pelicans hiked its record to 19-14.
C.J. McCollum finished with 22 points and nine assists, Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert Jones ended with 13 markers apiece, while Larry Nance Jr. contributed 11 points for the Pelicans.
The Pelicans caught fire early in the game as they established a 42-33 advantage. The lead grew further as it reached 74-57 at the half and 104-89 after three quarters.
The Lakers threatened to within 107-119 midway through the final quarter, but the Pelicans responded with a finishing run courtesy of seven straight points from Ingram for a 129-107 edge.
LeBron James top-scored with 34 points, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves added 20 markers apiece, while Taurean Prince ended with 15 markers as the Lakers suffered back-to-back losses for a 17-17 record.
Meanwhile, Trae Young caught fire offensively as Atlanta Hawks (13-19) scored a 130-126 victory over Washington Wizards (6-26) at the Capital One Arena on Washington, District of Columbia.
Already ahead by double-digits at 100-87 after three quarters, the Hawks were threatened with a late run by the Wizards, which cut the deficit to 124-128 with under a minute left.
The Hawks, however, got a split free throw each from Jalen Johnson and Dejounte Murray with six seconds remaining in the contest as they preserved the victory.
Young finished with a double-double of 40 points and 13 assists, Murray added 32 markers, while Johnson also ended with a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds for Atlanta./PN
BOX SCORE:
NEW ORLEANS 129 — Williamson 26, Ingram 26, McCollum 22, Valanciunas 13, Jones 13, Nance 11, Alvarado 8, Marshall 6, Daniels 3, Hawkins 1.
LOS ANGELES 109 — James 34, Davis 20, Reaves 20, Prince 15, Christie 7, Hachimura 4, Vanderbilt 4, Wood 3, Hood-Schifino 2, Hayes 0.
Quarterscores: 42-33, 74-57, 104-89, 129-109.
