The New Orleans Pelicans dethroned the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks 129-111 on Monday night.
Zion Williamson dropped 27 points, Saddiq Bey had 23, while Jeremiah Fears and Trey Murphy III each added 17 to lead the Pelicans win for the eighth time in 12 games.
Williamson made 11 of 13 shots in 28 minutes and has played in 52 games in his seventh NBA campaign, averaging 21.5 points.
On the other hand, Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 32 points, while Cooper Flagg tallied 21 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
P.J. Washington added 18 points and Max Christie had 12 points with four from distance, as they played without Klay Thompson (rest), Daniel Gafford (illness) and Caleb Martin (sore right foot).
For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray (illness), and coach James Borrego adjusted to the starting point guard’s absence by playing Murphy and Herb Jones in the backcourt and giving second-year center Yves Missi his ninth start of the season.
Meanwhile, veteran guard Jordan Poole came off the bench for his first playing time in eight games.
The Pelicans led for most of the game, reaching as many as 19 points.
Both teams will play on Wednesday night: the Mavericks host the Hawks, while the Pelicans host the Clippers.
