In a commanding performance, Jonas Valanciunas led the New Orleans Pelicans (15-11) to a 112-107 victory over the short-handed Charlotte Hornets (7-16).
Valanciunas, with a season-high 29 points and 13 rebounds, dominated the paint, exploiting the absence of Hornets’ starting center Mark Williams due to a back injury.
Facing limited options without Williams and the injured P.J. Washington, Valanciunas capitalized on the situation, drawing fouls and causing disruption inside.
Returning after missing the previous game, Zion Williamson contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds, while C.J. McCollum added 19 points, 13 of which came in a decisive fourth quarter. The Pelicans secured their third consecutive win, improving their record to 15-11.
Despite a late surge from the Hornets, led by Terry Rozier’s 30 points and Miles Bridges’ 27 points and 10 rebounds, the Pelicans held on. McCollum’s hot shooting in the fourth quarter, including two crucial three-pointers, widened the gap.
