The New Orleans Pelicans flipped the script Saturday night, erupting over the final 21 minutes to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111.
Jordan Poole led the charge with 23 points, knocking down five 3-pointers as New Orleans outscored Philadelphia 60-35 down the stretch. Zion Williamson added 21 points, while Saddiq Bey chipped in 20.
Veteran center DeAndre Jordan made a major impact in just his third appearance of the season, finishing with 15 rebounds and four blocks in 32 minutes. The 17-year veteran hadn’t played since Oct. 29 but anchored the Pelicans defensively as the game turned.
Philadelphia controlled much of the first three quarters, leading by as many as 11 and holding the advantage from late in the first period until the final two minutes of the third. Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25, but the 76ers’ offense stalled after halftime.
Free throws by Jeremiah Fears gave New Orleans a 91-89 edge late in the third, igniting a decisive run. Karlo Matković followed with a corner 3-pointer and three free throws after being fouled on another deep attempt, scoring nine points during a pivotal surge that helped the Pelicans take a 97-91 lead into the fourth.
New Orleans opened the final quarter with a 23-8 run, capped by Poole’s 3-pointer that stretched the margin to 120-99 with 5:20 remaining. The Pelicans finished 17 of 34 from beyond the arc (50%), while Philadelphia shot just 31.4% in the second half and missed 21 of 24 3-point attempts after the break. VJ Edgecombe scored 14 for the Sixers.
Up next:
The 76ers, who have dropped four straight but remain sixth in the East, visit Minnesota on Sunday night. The Pelicans return home to host Golden State on Tuesday.
