Pelicans End Preseason With First Victory After Defeating Magic

The Pelicans avoided going winless in the preseason after defeating Orlando in the preseason finale.

Orlando, FL - New Orleans defeated the Orlando Magic 104-92 on Tuesday night at the Amway Center in Orlando. The victory marked the first win of the preseason for the Pelicans, and from the start, the team looked focused. Coach Willie Green said during pregame he expected to play his starters for around 20 minutes, and a few crept past that number in the second half.

The first half had the feel of a regular season game. It was the final game for the Pelicans and the second to last for the Orlando Magic. Pelicans forward Zion Williamson got off to a strong start in the first quarter, scoring 10 points and asserting himself in the paint. The restricted area had been a point of emphasis for New Orleans heading into the game. 

New Orleans has been outscored in the paint in every preseason game heading into Tuesday night. The Pels outscored the Magic in both the first and second quarters to establish an inside presence in the game. Williamson's frontcourt running mate, Jonas Valanciunas, chipped in 10 first-half points and grabbed four rebounds in 13 minutes of action. The inside scoring was needed as the Pelicans shot just 8% from the three-point line through 24 minutes. 

Brandon Ingram had his strongest half of the preseason. B.I. scored 10 points in the second quarter alone, giving him 14 for the first half along with four rebounds and three assists. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 15 points in 14 minutes of play. The Pelicans did a slightly better job of protecting the basketball. They committed nine first-half turnovers. 

Oct 17, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

All the starters, except for Zion Williamson, started the third quarter for New Orleans. Williamson's night ended with 16 points and five steals in 16 minutes. The Pelicans won the quarter 24-21 to take a one-point lead heading into the fourth. The backup reserves finished the fourth quarter on a 17-5 run to lock in the team's win in their final preseason game. 

Trey Jemison nearly had a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. For the first time this preseason, the Pelicans had under 20 turnovers and won the points in the paint battle 50-40. New Orleans avoided going winless this preseason after going 4-1 last year during the preseason. 

The team now shifts focus to the regular season, beginning on October 25 against the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans hopes to get some injured reinforcements back in time. Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance, Jr are day-to-day, and the team has optimism that both will be ready for opening night.