Zion Williamson lit up the Barclays Center with an electrifying alley-oop dunk, scoring 28 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 104-91 victory over the Brooklyn Nets during Tuesday’s NBA action.
The Pelicans, with additional contributions from CJ McCollum, who scored 16 points, and Larry Nance Jr., who notched a double-double, kicked off their four-game road trip with this win, marking their third consecutive victory.
“I think it says we’re watching film and adjusting as we get further in the season,” Nance said.
Achieving this win also meant New Orleans clinched its second consecutive winning season, a feat not accomplished since 2009.
“We’re trying to build starting with our foundation,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “It starts with the people we bring in our building that contribute to having a healthy program, high character people that bring a ton of energy, hard workers, top to bottom.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Despite a strong effort from Cam Thomas, who put up 25 points, the Nets faced their fourth straight loss. The Pelicans impressed with a 50.6% field goal shooting performance, significantly outpacing the Nets’ 36.9%. A crucial 20-4 run in the second quarter propelled New Orleans ahead, establishing a dominant lead early on.
“They were making shots,” Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie said. “Guys we wanted taking shots, they (were) making 3s. Zion getting out in transition, and we fronted him in transition and he’s getting a couple of lobs over the top.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Even as the Nets attempted a comeback in the third quarter, the Pelicans effectively maintained their lead throughout the game. The game featured a highlight-reel moment from Williamson, following a perfect setup by Naji Marshall after a steal.
“When he got the steal, I said, ‘Oh he is throwing it,’” Williamson said. “He threw a good pass, went and got it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets Updates
As the Pelicans and Nets move on to their next challenges, New Orleans’s performance in Brooklyn underscores their growing confidence and cohesion as a team.
