In an exciting Thursday night clash, the New Orleans Pelicans showcased their strength as they secured a 125-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons. CJ McCollum led the charge with 33 points, complemented by Jonas Valanciunas’ double-double performance and a career-high 20 points from Matt Ryan. The Pelicans, missing star player Zion Williamson, who had the night off, set a season-high in points and impressed with a remarkable 72-point first-half performance.
Jonas Valanciunas was a dominant force, contributing 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while Matt Ryan displayed his three-point prowess by sinking 6 of 8 from beyond the arc. Herbert Jones added 21 points to the Pelicans’ scoreboard, and Dyson Daniels chipped in with 10 points off the bench. The Pelicans played their third consecutive game without their leading scorer, Brandon Ingram, who was sidelined due to knee soreness.
Cade Cunningham had an impressive outing for the Pistons, recording 22 points and 11 assists. Marcus Sasser added 19 points to the Pistons’ effort, while Ausar Thompson contributed 16 points. Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren both pitched in with 12 points, and Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes each added 10 points.
The Pelicans extended their winning streak against the Pistons to six consecutive games, with both teams completing a back-to-back.
During the third quarter, the Pistons made a valiant effort to narrow the gap, reducing a 23-point halftime deficit to just one point. However, despite Sasser’s three-pointers and a 13-2 run that pulled the Pistons closer, they ended the third quarter trailing 94-83.
Detroit managed to get within eight points with four minutes remaining, thanks to another three-pointer by Sasser. Nevertheless, they couldn’t get any closer until the final minute of the game.
The Pelicans had a strong start, taking a 35-29 lead at the end of the first period, with Matt Ryan leading the way with 11 points and sinking all three of his three-point attempts. McCollum’s scoring prowess was on full display in the second quarter as he contributed the first six points, helping the Pelicans establish a 10-point lead. New Orleans then extended their advantage with an impressive 16-0 run that gave them a commanding 59-38 lead.
The Pelicans continued to build on their lead, reaching a 25-point advantage on two occasions before concluding the first half with an impressive 72-49 lead, setting the tone for their eventual victory.
