The New Orleans Pelicans fought valiantly in a thrilling 136-130 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. CJ McCollum led the charge with a stellar 40-point, seven-assist performance, showcasing his leadership and offensive prowess.
Rookie Jordan Hawkins delivered a breakout game with six three-pointers and 25 points, adding a spark to the Pelicans’ offense. Despite their firepower, New Orleans couldn’t hold off a surging Pistons team led by Ron Holland II, who scored 14 of his season-high 26 points in a pivotal fourth quarter.
Holland’s perfect shooting in the final frame helped Detroit edge out the Pelicans in a high-octane finish, where both teams shot an impressive 65%.
Even without Zion Williamson, the Pelicans showed resilience and ball movement, with Kelly Olynyk, Jose Alvarado, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earleach dishing out eight assists. It marked the first time in franchise history that four players recorded at least seven assists in a game.
However, defensive lapses in the fourth quarter allowed Detroit to outscore New Orleans 43-39, proving the difference. Jalen Duren and Marcus Sasser also played key roles for the Pistons, with Duren logging a double-double and Sasser contributing 20 points off the bench.
As the Pelicans prepare to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, they’ll look to build on their offensive momentum while tightening up their defense in crunch time.
