NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans broke their three-game losing streak Friday night with a thrilling 125-118 home win over the Indiana Pacers, led by stellar performances from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. In their second game without key starters Herb Jones and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans were resilient, surging back from an early 13-point deficit to claim victory.
Head coach Willie Green acknowledged the Pelicans’ need to adjust without several top players but praised his squad’s fighting spirit. “It’s such a blessing to have a group as resilient as ours,” Green said postgame. “They’ve been like that since I’ve gotten here. Zion and Brandon showed great leadership, executing plays and setting the tone defensively.”
Williamson’s impact was undeniable, as he posted an impressive 34 points, 10 assists, and shot a remarkable 14-of-20 from the field. He bounced back from a tough outing at Golden State, where he made only 5 of his 20 attempts, to find his groove against Indiana. “It was about letting the game come to me,” Williamson explained. “I was aggressive, like painting my own picture, and once I had the lay of the land, I attacked.”
Ingram contributed 26 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, joining Williamson to showcase the duo’s peak potential. Together, they registered three steals and two blocks, adding crucial defensive pressure that kept the Pacers at bay. The Pelicans tied the game by halftime and outlasted Indiana in the second half.
The Pelicans’ new-look backcourt featured reserves Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins, who both stepped up admirably. Alvarado dished out six assists in the first half, setting the stage for New Orleans’ 62-point surge before halftime. Hawkins battled through back soreness to score 23 points, including 15 in the second half, demonstrating growing confidence with his pull-up jumper. He also continued his knack for getting to the free-throw line, converting 7 of 8 attempts.
Off the bench, Brandon Boston Jr. made a memorable debut at the Smoothie King Center, scoring 14 points in 23 minutes. A recent two-way signee, Boston brought energy and versatility, hitting clutch shots and adding two three-pointers. Rookie Yves Missi also excited the home crowd, grabbing 10 rebounds, a block, and a thunderous dunk over Indiana’s Myles Turner that electrified the arena.
The Pacers, who held a double-digit lead in the first half, were led by Ben Sheppard’s 20 points, including six three-pointers. Indiana faced setbacks when Aaron Nesmith, who had 12 points, left with an ankle sprain, and Isaiah Jackson exited in the fourth quarter with a leg injury. Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists.
As the Pelicans adapted to their new rotations, Williamson and Ingram’s leadership was evident, fueling a comeback that reestablished New Orleans’ momentum. With their injured players expected to be out for a while, the Pelicans will look to build on this win and continue refining their chemistry. And they will look to Williamson and Ingram to show them the way through the wilderness.
Their resilience on Friday highlighted a team with depth and determination, a promising sign as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening.
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