Wizards
Pelicans survive Wizards' 36-point fourth, hold on 107-106
The Pelicans built a 14-point lead behind a 62-42 edge in the paint and held off a Wizards rally that saw Washington outscore them 36-26 in the fourth. New Orleans won 107-106 at Smoothie King Center. Both teams are still 0-0 in this preseason slate.
By the Hoops Nightly Desk · updated 3 d ago01The story of the nightPelicans build the cushion earlyNew Orleans led 23-17 after one and 56-51 at the half, then pushed the margin to as much as 14 points.
New Orleans led 23-17 after one and 56-51 at the half, then pushed the margin to as much as 14 points. The Pelicans outscored Washington 33-34 and 25-19 across the second and third quarters while controlling the paint 62-42 and winning the bench battle 60-47. But Washington's 36-point fourth quarter, built on 12-of-41 shooting from three for the game, cut the final margin to one point, 107-106.
02Bey and Fears power the PelicansSaddiq Bey came off the bench to score 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three, and finished plus-16.
Saddiq Bey came off the bench to score 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three, and finished plus-16. Jeremiah Fears added 14 points and five assists. Zion Williamson scored 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting, and Trey Murphy III had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 10 off the bench and was also plus-16.
03George and Davis lead a late Wizards pushKyshawn George led Washington with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, hitting 3 of 5 threes.
Kyshawn George led Washington with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, hitting 3 of 5 threes. Anthony Davis also had 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Alex Sarr scored 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and AJ Dybantsa added 12 in 14.9 minutes. Trae Young struggled, shooting 1-for-11 from the field for 7 points, though he added 7 assists and 3 steals against 5 turnovers.
04Won in the paint and off the benchNew Orleans outscored Washington 62-42 in the paint and 60-47 off the bench, the two biggest factors in the win.
New Orleans outscored Washington 62-42 in the paint and 60-47 off the bench, the two biggest factors in the win. The Pelicans also shot better from the field at 43.4% to 39.6% and committed far fewer turnovers, 16 to 23, though Washington's extra possessions didn't translate into enough points off turnovers (22) to overcome the deficit. Washington actually out-rebounded New Orleans 65-59 and out-shot them from three, 12-of-41 to 7-of-36.
05What it meansFor New Orleans, Bey's efficient night and strong bench production are encouraging signs with Zion and Murphy still…
For New Orleans, Bey's efficient night and strong bench production are encouraging signs with Zion and Murphy still working into form. For Washington, George, Sarr and Dybantsa all finished in double figures, pointing to scoring options beyond Young, who had an off shooting night. Both teams enter the season at 0-0 with this preseason result on the board.
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