The New Orleans Pelicans flipped the script in the final 21 minutes and pulled away from the Philadelphia 76ers for a 126-111 win on Saturday night at Smoothie King Center.
Jordan Poole scored 23 points and knocked down five 3-pointers, fueling a decisive stretch in which New Orleans outscored Philadelphia 60-35 to close the game.
The Sixers controlled much of the first three quarters and led by as many as 11 points. They stayed in front from late in the opening period until the final two minutes of the third.
Momentum shifted when Jeremiah Fears hit two free throws to give the home side a 91-89 edge. Karlo Matkovic followed with a corner 3-pointer and later converted three free throws after being fouled on another attempt from deep.
Matkovic scored nine points during that surge, which helped the Pelicans build a 97-91 lead entering the fourth quarter. The hosts then opened the final period on a 23-8 run, capped by Poole’s fifth 3-pointer that made it 120-99 with 5:20 remaining.
From there, New Orleans maintained separation and prevented any late push.
Zion Williamson added 21 points and eight assists, consistently collapsing the defense and creating space for perimeter shooters. Saddiq Bey contributed 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Veteran center DeAndre Jordan delivered a strong interior presence in his third appearance of the season. The 17-year veteran grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked four shots in 32 minutes after not playing since Oct. 29.
Herb Jones scored 14 points, while Bryce McGowens chipped in 13 off the bench. The Pelicans shot 49% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, finishing 17-of-34 from deep.
Philadelphia struggled to match that efficiency after halftime. The 76ers shot 31.4% in the second half and missed 21 of their 24 attempts from long distance over the final two quarters.
Tyrese Maxey led the visitors with 27 points and seven assists despite shooting 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points, and VJ Edgecombe had 14.
Andre Drummond pulled down 12 rebounds, but the Sixers shot 38% overall and 12-of-46 from 3-point range.
The loss marked Philadelphia’s fourth straight, though it remained sixth in the Eastern Conference standings at 30-26. New Orleans, which improved to 16-42 and sits 14th in the Western Conference, will host Golden State on Tuesday.
The 76ers continue their road trip Sunday night in Minnesota.
