Brooklyn NetsOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans edged the Brooklyn Nets 116–113 on January 14 at Smoothie King Center in a defensive struggle that fell short of the Vegas total of 232.5 points. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 34 points, while Zion Williamson added 25 in the win. Brooklyn's Mitch Porter Jr. scored 20 and Edy Dëmin contributed 17, but the Nets' balanced attack—16 three-pointers made on 47.4% shooting—proved insufficient. The Pelicans controlled the glass with 53 rebounds to Brooklyn's 43 and shot 44.3% overall with 11 threes. A decisive third quarter gave New Orleans momentum, outscoring the Nets 33–32 in that frame to build separation. Despite Brooklyn's strong field-goal percentage and 24 assists matching New Orleans', the Nets committed 10 turnovers compared to the Pelicans' eight, a differential that proved costly in a three-point game. New Orleans' defensive rating of 112.7 held firm down the stretch. The Pelicans' narrow victory keeps them competitive in the Western Conference standings.
