(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- In a game in which Cleveland big-man Andre Drummond was sidelined with a calf injury, the Pelicans exploited the Cavaliers in the paint. Zion Williamson beat up the Cavs for 24 points, scoring on 11 of 16 shot attempts. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans in scoring with 29 points as they defeated the Cavaliers by the final score of 116-104.
The Pelicans were firing on all cylinders for most of the game, being led by the trio of Ingram, Williamson, and Holliday. New Orleans held a double digit lead for most of the game and led by as much as 21 points in the first half. Derrick Favors pulled in 15 boards and veteran guard Jrue Holiday scored 22 points en route to New Orleans third victory out of their last four games.
Second-year guard Collin Sexton had a career night against a pesky Pelicans squad. The 'Young Bull' tied a career high 31 points in a game and knocked down a new career high 6 three pointers. Kevin Porter Jr continues to come into his own, contributing 16 points off the bench.
The Cavaliers will head back to Cleveland for a 5-game homestand. Cleveland will take on the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, tip-off set for 8:00 pm ET. Check out highlights from tonight's game below!