CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jonas Valanciunas led the New Orleans Pelicans to a 112-107 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, marking their third consecutive win. Valanciunas achieved a season-high with 29 points and secured 13 rebounds, playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
Zion Williamson returned to action after missing a game, contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds. C.J. McCollum also had a significant impact, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he scored 13 of his 19 points, helping to secure the win for the Pelicans.
The Hornets, who have been struggling at home with a 4-9 record, were led by Terry Rozier with 30 points and Miles Bridges, who added 27 points and 10 rebounds. However, Charlotte was handicapped by the absence of key players, including starting center Mark Williams due to a back injury.
Pelicans coach Willie Green capitalized on the Hornets’ weakened interior defense, focusing the offense around Valanciunas. This strategy paid off as Valanciunas dominated inside, leading to Charlotte’s Nick Richards and Nathan Mensah getting into foul trouble early in the fourth quarter.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the challenge of containing Valanciunas, especially given the absence of players capable of guarding him. The size and skill of Valanciunas proved too much for the Hornets, especially with Mensah fouling out in his first NBA game.
Despite trailing by 11 at halftime, the Hornets surged back in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead thanks to Rozier and Bridges. However, McCollum’s resurgence in the fourth quarter, including crucial three-pointers, widened the gap for the Pelicans.
The game remained competitive until the final moments, with Rozier’s three-pointer cutting the deficit to three. However, Herbert Jones’ free throws in the closing seconds secured the win for New Orleans.
Rozier’s performance continued his impressive scoring run, averaging 28.3 points over the last seven games, stepping up in the absence of LaMelo Ball due to an ankle injury.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face San Antonio on Sunday, while the Hornets will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, as both teams look to build on their recent performances.
