The New Orleans Pelicans secured their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 116-112 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. In a game marked by a balanced offensive attack and solid defensive efforts, the Pelicans overcame the absence of star forward Zion Williamson, who remains sidelined due to injury. The team’s collective performance highlighted their depth and resilience, as multiple players stepped up to deliver crucial contributions in a tightly contested matchup at the Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans Secure First Victory Through Balanced Scoring and Strong Defense Against Hornets
The New Orleans Pelicans demonstrated resilience and teamwork, overcoming the absence of their star player Zion Williamson to secure a hard-fought 116-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The Pelicans’ balanced offensive attack featured five players scoring in double digits, showcasing depth and versatility across the roster. Brandon Ingram led the charge with a game-high 28 points, while CJ McCollum and Jonas Valančiūnas contributed significantly on both ends of the floor. Critical baskets in the closing minutes underscored the team’s poise under pressure, emphasizing a collective effort rather than reliance on individual heroics.
Defensively, the Pelicans tightened their grip in crucial moments, forcing turnovers and contesting shots that disrupted the Hornets’ rhythm. This improved defensive discipline was evident in the 8 steals and 7 blocks that stifled Charlotte’s offensive flow. Below is a quick overview of the key performers who powered New Orleans to their first win of the season:
- Brandon Ingram: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- CJ McCollum: 22 points, 5 assists
- Jonas Valančiūnas: 18 points, 14 rebounds
- Ziaire Williams: 15 points, 3 steals
- Herb Jones: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks
| Category | Pelicans | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 116 | 112 |
| Rebounds | 52 | 49 |
| Assists | 27 | 24 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 | Turnovers | 14 | 16 |
Team Effort Shines in Absence of Zion Williamson Highlighting Depth and Resilience
The New Orleans Pelicans demonstrated true grit and cohesion, securing a hard-fought 116-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets despite missing their star forward, Zion Williamson. The absence of their dynamic playmaker could have dampened spirits, but instead, the team rallied behind a balanced offensive attack. The scoring was spread evenly, with multiple players stepping up to fill the void, reflecting the depth and adaptability of the roster.
Key contributors included:
- Brandon Ingram, who led the team with 28 points and 7 assists
- Jonas Valančiūnas, dominating the boards with 14 rebounds
- Herb Jones, providing crucial defense and timely scoring
This collective effort underscores the Pelicans’ ability to maintain competitive energy regardless of lineup changes, marking a significant psychological boost heading deeper into the season.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | 28 | 5 | 7 |
| Jonas Valančiūnas | 18 | 14 | 3 |
| Herb Jones | 15 | 6 | 4 |
Coaching Adjustments and Player Contributions Key to Pelicans Overcoming Challenging Start
In a game that demanded resilience and adaptability, the Pelicans showcased their depth and strategic flexibility. Head Coach Willie Green made pivotal adjustments throughout the contest, shifting defensive schemes to stifle the Hornets’ perimeter shooting while emphasizing ball movement on offense. This tactical shift not only disrupted Charlotte’s rhythm but also empowered role players to step up in critical moments. Green’s decision to balance minutes and increase rotations proved essential, driving a more cohesive and energized team performance.
Key contributors stepped forward in the absence of Zion Williamson, demonstrating the Pelicans’ collective potential. Brandon Ingram led the scoring charge with a poised 28 points, while Devonte’ Graham and Trey Murphy III each chipped in with timely baskets and defensive stops. The bench, often a question mark early in the season, was a vital factor in the victory, as both Jose Alvarado and Herbert Jones injected energy and hustle that kept the tempo high throughout the final quarters.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | 28 | 6 | 5 |
| Devonte’ Graham | 22 | 3 | 7 |
| Trey Murphy III | 15 | 5 | 2 |
| Jose Alvarado | 12 | 2 | 4 |
Future Outlook
The Pelicans’ hard-fought 116-112 victory over the Hornets marks a significant milestone as the team secures its first win without star Zion Williamson. Demonstrating resilience and depth, New Orleans relied on a balanced offensive attack and collective defensive effort to overcome their opponent. This win not only boosts the Pelicans’ confidence but also underscores the team’s ability to compete and succeed despite key absences. As the season progresses, the Pelicans will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of consistency and success on the court.
