Hot Celtics Break Pelicans Win Streak

The Celtics' fast start breaks Pelicans' three-game winning streak.

On Friday night, the Boston Celtics quickly led 40-25 in the first quarter and went wire-to-wire to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 117-109 at home in front of 17,828 fans. 

Nov 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles against Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics entered the game with the league's best record and displayed why they are an elite NBA team. 

Boston pounced on the Pelicans early, tied a team record with ten 3-pointers, and was one shy of the NBA record (11) for a quarter.

Zion Williamson is listed day-to-day and missed his 3rd straight game with a right foot contusion. Trey Murphy III left the contest with right foot soreness and did not return to the game. The Pelicans couldn't make up the ground with that firepower off the court.

Brandon Ingram's 25 points led the team with tremendous shooting from beyond the arc. CJ McCollum didn't shoot well and finished with 18 points on 7-18. 

The Celtics pounded the Pelicans on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 46-37. Both teams had trouble getting to the free-throw line. The Celtics shot 17 free throws, most of which came when the Pelicans were trying to intentionally foul. The Pelicans hit just 13 free throws on the evening.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 27 points and ten rebounds. In place of the injured Marcus Smart, Derrick White was second with 26 points on 6-for-8 shooting from 3-point range. 

Boston finished the game making 20 three-pointers and led by as many as 19 points. 

The loss was demoralizing as the Pelicans dropped to 9-7 on the season. New Orleans' defense was uncharacteristically poor by allowing ten 3-pointers in the first quarter. Also, the rebounding battle suffered, and ball movement was sometimes stagnant. 

The Pelicans finished with 22 assists after having back-to-back games of at least 30 assists.  

New Orleans will host the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors (7-9) for a 7:00 PM tip-off at Smoothie King Center on Monday, Nov. 21.

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