Pelicans-Bulls Halftime: Pels Attack the Rim, Zion Looks Great | Game 1, Preseason

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls preseason game first-half summary.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls preseason game half-time report and first-half summary.

Oct 4, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) warms up before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

ZION WATCH!

• 3 points with 9;15 in 1st period
• Great shot block, but called goal-tending.
• Zion offensive foul on a drive.
• Zion off the baseline for a slam dunk!
• Nice blocks from behind.  
• Sits with 6 minutes left;  9 points

Zion Block; Courtesy TNT

ALLOW Z TO REINTRODUCE HIMSELF. pic.twitter.com/QWH0SnOVSo

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 5, 2022

Game Starters

Pelicans starters: G CJ McCollum, F Naji Marshal, G Herbert Marshall, F Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciounas 

Key Plays/Moments

• Herb Jones opens the preseason with a 3-pt jumper from the left corner.
• Naji Marshall hits a 3-pointer, Pels up 6-0.
• Zion follows CJ miss and puts in for 2 points.  Fouled and converted the free throw.
• Herb Jones injured, knee to the groin.

Pelicans 13, Bulls 4 at 9:15 in the 1st Qtr.

CLEAR THE RUNWAY pic.twitter.com/AgsEEm9gqw

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 5, 2022

• Zion off the baseline for a slam dunk!
• New Orleans is using penetration drives for their shots.
• Marshall has 3 fouls in the 1st 
• Graham is having a good first period with 9 points from three 3-point shots.
• The second-team squad is doing a good job moving the ball.
• 3/4 with 7 pts, early in the 2nd qtr.

AN INGRAM SIGHTING!

Pelicans 35, Bulls 23 - 1:46 in 1st Qtr.

• 2 offensive fouls on Nance Jr. while trying to set a pick.
• Alvarado appears to be ready for the season.  
• Nance couldn't close out the quarter.
• Zion played 5 minutes with 5 points.

Pelicans 40, Bulls 25 - End of 1st Qtr.

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2nd QUARTER

• Williamson opens the scoring for the Pels with a basket.
• Puzzling foul on Alvarado.

INJURY STOPPAGE - Herb Jones kneed in the groin.

Pelicans 46, Bulls 31 - 9:06 in 2nd Qtr.

• Williamson turnover off the drive.
• Herb Jones has 8 points.
• Chicago cannot handle the Pelicans defense.  
• Another lost ball from Zion. 
• Zion gets the Bulls to foul on the drive.  Makes both free throws.
• Zion swats the ball away for another block.   Green sits the star forward for rest.  
• 52-40 Pelicans lead. 6:00 in the half
• Marshall is hustling, but has 4 first-half fouls.
• Jaxon Hayes is having a solid first half with 10 pts at 4:44.
• Daniels missed a shot, but did have a good defensive play on the other end.
• You have to like how the Pels are attacking rim on most of their possessions.
• Graham foul with 3:19
• 67% shooting for the Pels at 2:50
• Shocking, Alvarado has 0 points.
• Nice kickout pass from Daniels to Hermangomez for a 3 pointer

HALFTIME SCORE

Pelicans 70, Bulls 53

Pelicans Standout Players and Stats

• Zion Williamson: 9 pts (75% shooting), 1 Blk, 1 TO, 3 FTM, 2 rebounds
• CJ McCollum: 5 pts
• Devonte' Graham: 16 pts
• Naji Marshall: 3 pts
• Jonas Valanciunas: 4 pts
• Jaxon Hayes: 10 pts
• Dyson Daniels: 1 assist
• Willy Hermangomez: 12 pts, 3 rebounds
• Herb Jones: 8 pts, 2 assists