The New Orleans Pelicans secured their third consecutive win and eighth in the last 11 games by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-85 during Tuesday’s NBA action. CJ McCollum and Herb Jones were instrumental in the win, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively.
New Orleans dominated from the start, leading by as much as 32 points and never trailing in the game. Pelicans coach Willie Green is pleased with the team’s developing chemistry and momentum, as evidenced in their latest victory.
“I’m definitely seeing us coming out and having more of a sense of urgency across the board,” Green said. “Tonight was another step in the right direction.”
Conversely, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn urges his team to show more determination and commitment to winning.
“It really is like a boxing match: When you get hit, how are you going to respond?” Vaughn said. “We can’t think that making shots is the response.
Jose Alvarado contributed 13 points, and Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Pelicans’ focused approach was clear as they opened the game on a 9-0 run. “It’s a growing point for us,” Alvarado said, emphasizing the team’s seriousness and effort in every game.
“It’s a growing point. We took this game very seriously and we tried to attack it,” Alvarado said. “We didn’t look past this game because we know winning in the NBA is tough.”
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This match marked a season-low for the Nets in terms of points scored and the least amount of points allowed by the Pelicans. The Nets struggled offensively, shooting a season-worst 35.7%. Vaughn compared the team’s performance to a boxing match, stressing the need for a resilient response to challenges. He highlighted the importance of effort and tenacity, beyond just making shots, for a team truly desperate to win.
Despite being a top scorer for the team, Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas went 0 for 11 in shooting, a disappointing performance in front of a crowd likely containing many of his college supporters. Cameron Johnson, who led the Nets with 17 points, defended Thomas, pointing out that the team often put him in difficult positions.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets’ shooting woes were widespread, with Thomas, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Royce O’Neale combining for 0-23. Johnson described the situation as a “gut check” moment for the team.
“Sometimes you just got to make things happen instead of kind of just playing along and hoping,” Johnson said, calling this moment in the season “a gut check.”
Mikal Bridges and Day’Ron Sharpe added 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Nets. On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, with no player exceeding 25 minutes on the court.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Pelicans’ effective shooting was a key factor in their win, mirroring their previous performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. They shot 50% from the 3-point range in the first half, building a 27-point lead. The Nets’ poor shooting, especially in the first half, hindered their ability to compete. New Orleans capped the first half with a 10-2 run, further cementing their dominance.
Looking ahead, the Nets will face the Houston Rockets, while the Pelicans will play against the Minnesota Timberwolves, both games scheduled for Wednesday night.
