NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans roared to a 20-point lead twice in the third quarter and then hung on to defeat the defending champion Denver Nuggets 115-110 Friday night in the Smoothie King Center in the team's third contest in the "in-season" tournament.
Zion Williamson had 26 points, including two clutch baskets to help withstand a furious Nuggets rally late. Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points. Brandon Ingram had 21. Despite making the game close for comfort, the Nuggets never led or tied the contest, with the Pelicans holding the lead the entire game.
"Across the board, all of our guys came in with energy and effort," said head coach Willie Green. "We knew they were going to come back and we did enough to sustain the win."
Two-time NBA MVP winner Nikola Jokic put on another clinic with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 18 assists.
However, Denver finished only 10-40 from three point range, while the Pelicans hit over 50 percent, knocking down 12 of 23 from beyond the arc.
