The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112‑107 at the Spectrum Center, snapping a tight contest with a late surge in the paint. Zion Williamson posted a double‑double (28 points, 12 rebounds) while the bench contributed crucial points. The win moves the Pelicans into the upper‑half of the Western Conference and keeps the Hornets on the play‑in bubble.
Game Recap
First Quarter
Charlotte started strong, led by rookie guard Jalen Miller’s 22‑point burst, including five of six three‑pointers. New Orleans answered with Zion Williamson’s 18 points and Brandon Ingram’s 12, keeping the game within reach.
Second Quarter
The Pelicans seized a 58‑55 halftime lead after a 14‑2 run sparked by an alley‑oop from Ingram to Williamson. Charlotte tightened defense, forcing a turnover that sparked an 8‑0 run before the break.
Third Quarter
LaMelo Ball drove a 20‑point surge for the Hornets, pushing them ahead 84‑81. Freshman forward Jabari Smith answered for New Orleans with a 12‑2 run, reclaiming the lead.
Fourth Quarter
In the final minutes, Williamson dominated the boards, adding four offensive rebounds that turned into easy put‑backs. Miller’s late three‑pointer narrowed the gap, but the Pelicans held on to secure the 112‑107 victory with 12 seconds remaining.
Key Statistics
- Zion Williamson: 28 points, 12 rebounds (double‑double)
- Jalen Miller: 22 points, 5/6 from three
- Brandon Ingram: 12 points, key alley‑oop assist
- Jabari Smith: 10 points off the bench
- Team Shooting: Pelicans 58% field‑goal conversion, Hornets 44%
- Turnovers: Hornets 9, Pelicans 5
Implications
Pelicans
The win ties New Orleans for third place in the Western Conference, tightening the race for home‑court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Increased minutes for Williamson proved decisive, and the bench’s contribution signals depth heading into the final stretch.
Hornets
Charlotte falls to a 27‑29 record, slipping to the seventh seed in the East. Defensive lapses in transition remain a concern, but the offensive spark from Miller and Ball offers hope for a play‑in push if the team can tighten its defense.
Next Encounter
Fans can catch the rematch on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be available on major sports networks and streaming platforms, with radio coverage on local stations in New Orleans and Charlotte.
