In a closely contested matchup on January 14, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans edged out the Brooklyn Nets with a thrilling 116-113 victory, as reported by ESPN. The game showcased intense competition and standout performances from both teams, ultimately culminating in a narrow win for the Pelicans on their home court. This result adds an important chapter to the ongoing season, highlighting the resilience and skill on display in the Eastern and Western Conference showdown.
Pelicans Secure Narrow Victory Over Nets in Thrilling January Clash
In a nail-biting encounter at the Smoothie King Center, the New Orleans Pelicans edged out the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 116-113. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, featuring stellar performances from both sides. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 34 points, showcasing his trademark power and agility, while Brandon Ingram contributed a crucial 28 points to help maintain the slim lead in the closing minutes.
Despite the defeat, the Nets fought valiantly, propelled by Kevin Durant’s impressive 31 points and nine rebounds. The contest went down to the wire, highlighted by:
- 5 lead changes in the final quarter alone
- Critical defensive stops by Pelicans’ defense in the last two minutes
- Clutch three-pointers from both teams that kept fans on the edge of their seats
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 34 | 7 | 4 |
| Brandon Ingram | Pelicans | 28 | 5 | 6 |
| Kevin Durant | Nets | 31 | 9 | 5 |
| Spencer Dinwiddie | Nets | 22 | 4 | 7 |
Key Performances and Turning Points That Defined the Game
The Pelicans’ narrow 116-113 victory over the Nets on January 14, 2026, hinged on several standout performances that shifted momentum throughout the night. Zion Williamson was nothing short of spectacular, dropping a game-high 34 points while displaying his trademark agility and power in the paint. Complementing Zion’s dominance was Brandon Ingram, who chipped in 22 points and led a critical fourth-quarter surge with timely three-pointers. On the Nets’ side, Kevin Durant poured in 30 points, showcasing his offensive versatility, but crucial missed free throws late in the game ultimately proved costly for Brooklyn.
Several key turning points shaped the final outcome. Notably, the Pelicans’ relentless defensive pressure in the closing minutes forced a pair of crucial turnovers, spurring fast-break points that extended their lead. Meanwhile, the Nets struggled to maintain offensive rhythm amid tight coverage, highlighted by a pivotal steal from Zion with just under two minutes remaining. The game’s decisive moments unfolded through these sequences:
- 7:24 remaining: Zion’s powerful dunk off an alley-oop energized the Pelicans.
- 4:12 remaining: Brandon Ingram drained back-to-back 3-pointers to break a tie.
- 1:47 remaining: Defensive steal by Williamson led to a crucial fast-break layup.
- Final Minute: Nets coach called a timeout with the team trailing by 4, but Brooklyn failed to execute on the subsequent possession.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Turnovers Forced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson (NOP) | 34 | 11 | 3 |
| Brandon Ingram (NOP) | 22 | 5 | 1 |
| Kevin Durant (BKN) | 30 | 7 | 0 |
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Turnovers Forced |
| Zion Williamson (NOP) | 34 | 11 | 3 |
| Brandon Ingram (NOP) | 22 | 5 | 1 |
| Kevin Durant (BKN) | 30 | 7 | 0 |
| Lacob Harris (BKN) | 15 | 6 | 2 |
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What the Nets Must Address Moving Forward After Close Defeat
The Brooklyn Nets showed great resilience but ultimately fell short in a nail-biter against the Pelicans. To convert these tight contests into wins, Brooklyn must sharpen their end-of-game execution, particularly on both ends of the floor. Defensively, inconsistent rotations and late-game lapses allowed New Orleans to capitalize on critical possessions. Strengthening communication and maintaining disciplined closeouts will be essential to stifling opponents in crucial moments.
Offensively, the Nets struggled to find a reliable go-to option down the stretch, which highlighted the need for greater off-ball movement and diversified scoring threats. Improving these areas will ease pressure on the primary scorers and create open looks. Specifically, the team should focus on:
- Implementing more dynamic pick-and-roll actions
- Increasing ball movement to prevent stagnant possessions
- Enhancing free throw shooting consistency under pressure
- Developing bench scoring to maintain offensive momentum
| Key Areas | Action Needed | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Rotations | Improve communication & discipline | Reduce opponent scoring in crunch time |
| Offensive Diversity | Increase off-ball movement | Generate open shots and prevent predictability |
| Free Throw Shooting | Boost consistency under pressure | Secure critical points late in games |
The Way Forward
In a tightly contested matchup on January 14, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans edged out the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 116-113. The Pelicans’ resilience down the stretch proved decisive, as they secured a hard-fought victory on the road. This win adds momentum to New Orleans’ campaign, while the Nets will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games. Fans can revisit the full highlights and postgame analysis on ESPN for a deeper look into the key plays that defined this thrilling contest.
