Dallas, Jan 13, 2024 – Rookie Jordan Hawkins delivered a spectacular performance with a season-high 34 points, guiding the New Orleans Pelicans to a 118-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. The Pelicans, who were without several of their regular starters, saw contributions from seven players scoring in double figures.
Herb Jones added 15 points for the Pelicans, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 14 points along with a game-high 12 rebounds. This win allowed the Pelicans to bounce back after their previous night’s loss to Denver.
The Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving’s 33 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr., both adding 24 points, were also missing key players. Luka Doncic was sidelined due to an ankle sprain, marking his second consecutive game missed this season. Additionally, Dante Exum and rookie Dereck Lively II were absent due to injuries.
Despite a slow start from the 3-point line, the Pelicans found their rhythm in the third quarter, hitting 7 of 9 from beyond the arc and outscoring the Mavericks 39-27 to take the lead.
The Pelicans were playing without Zion Williamson, who was rested, Brandon Ingram, suffering from an Achilles issue, and CJ McCollum with an ankle problem. This absence of key players meant the Pelicans were missing a significant portion of their season’s scoring output.
The game started with the Pelicans establishing an early lead, despite Irving and Hardaway’s struggles in shooting, particularly from the three-point line. The Mavericks managed a comeback in the second quarter, thanks to Hardaway and Jones, but the Pelicans’ strong third quarter was pivotal in securing their win.
The teams will have a quick turnaround as they are set to meet again in Dallas on Monday, providing another opportunity for both sides to adjust and respond.
