The Toronto Raptors rode a balanced offensive effort and a strong night from Scottie Barnes to a 119-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Barnes led the way with 23 points and 12 assists, controlling the game as both a scorer and facilitator. Jakob Poeltl added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while RJ Barrett, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and J’Kobe Walter each chipped in 18 points in a well-rounded attack. Brandon Ingram contributed 13 points for Toronto.
New Orleans was led by Zion Williamson, who scored 22 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Saddiq Bey added 19, but the Pelicans couldn’t overcome Toronto’s depth and second-quarter surge.
The Raptors seized control early in the second quarter, opening the period with a 25-8 run to build a 59-44 halftime lead. Toronto maintained that cushion through the third, with Barnes scoring 13 of his points in the quarter to keep momentum firmly on their side.
Sandro Mamukelashvili provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three 3-pointers as part of his 18-point performance.
The win marked Toronto’s second in three games, keeping them in sixth place in the Eastern Conference—just ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers for the final automatic playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Pelicans dropped their fourth straight overall and fifth consecutive road game, playing without key scorers Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray. The Raptors were also short-handed, missing Immanuel Quickley.
Up next: the Pelicans return home to face the Houston Rockets on Sunday, while the Raptors host the Orlando Magic.
