NBA: Seven Pelicans score in double figures to deal 76ers setback

Jordan Poole scored 23 points to lead seven double-digit scorers as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 126-111 on Saturday night.

Zion Williamson added 21 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals for New Orleans, while Saddiq Bey contributed 20 points. DeAndre Jordan, though not among the Pelicans’ double-digit scorers, grabbed 15 rebounds, scored six points, and recorded four blocks.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 27 points, seven assists, and five steals, but he shot just 9 of 23 from the field. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points for Philadelphia, which has dropped eight of its last nine games without Joel Embiid (knee/shin), including each of its last four contests.

The Pelicans trailed by five before going on a 13-2 run over the final 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter. Poole started the surge with a layup and a 3-pointer, followed by Karlo Matkovic adding six points in the final minute to give New Orleans a 97-91 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Matkovic made a 3-pointer early in the final period, and Bryce McGowens added another a minute later to extend the lead to 105-95. Herb Jones’ dunk made it a 15-point advantage with 7:01 remaining, and Poole’s 3-pointer with 5:20 left pushed the lead past 20 for the first time.

Philadelphia briefly cut the deficit to 14 points down the stretch, but another 3-pointer from Poole ended any chance of a late comeback.

Both teams shot below 40% from the field in the first quarter. Quentin Grimes contributed nine points off the bench as the Sixers led 29-24 after one period.

Maxey (11 points) and Oubre (eight) were key for Philadelphia in the second quarter, with Oubre hitting a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give the visitors a 65-57 advantage.

Philadelphia built a double-digit lead early in the third quarter before Bey scored eight points during a quick 10-0 run that tied the game at 76-76.

-Field Level Media/Reuters