Herbert Jones also made a significant contribution to the Pelicans, adding 17 points to the team’s total. Zion Williamson showed his versatility with an impressive stat line of 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored with 12 points. Former Raptors player Jonas Valanciunas notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ McCollum and Naji Marshall each provided 11 points.
For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley led the effort with 17 points, followed by Gary Trent Jr. with 16 points. RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk each contributed 15 points, while Javon Freeman-Liberty added 13 points. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Pelicans’ dominant performance.
From the start, the Pelicans asserted their dominance, building a substantial 30-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Murphy’s hot hand from beyond the arc, combined with Jones’ scoring prowess, set the tone for New Orleans’ lead early in the game.
Throughout the contest, the Pelicans maintained their offensive momentum, shooting an impressive 55.1 percent from the field in the first half. Murphy’s remarkable shooting, including all 10 of his 3-pointers, played a pivotal role in extending New Orleans’ lead and the victory.
Despite a brief resurgence by the Raptors in the third quarter, where they managed to reduce the deficit, the Pelicans responded with insistence, closing out the game with authority. The Raptors’ efforts were hampered by the absence of key players such as Scottie BarnesJakob Poeltl and Bruce Brown, contributing to their struggles against the Pelicans’ dominant performance.
With this convincing victory, the Pelicans continue to build momentum, securing their second straight victory and third win in the last six games. Looking ahead, New Orleans aims to maintain its good form and continue its quest for success in the NBA.
(Contributions from Reuters)
