Pelicans Hand Hawks Fourth Loss in Five Games

The Pelicans built a 17-point lead in the first quarter and stayed comfortably ahead, leading 63-48 at halftime and 92-74 entering the fourth. New Orleans improved to two wins after opening the season with four losses; Atlanta fell to 3-4.

Saddiq Bey scored 25 points off the bench, and Jeremiah Fears added 20 for New Orleans. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III had 15 points apiece. The Pelicans shot 57% from the field and turned eight first-quarter Atlanta turnovers into 16 points.

CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 14 points in his first game in New Orleans after New Orleans sent him to Washington in June 2025. The arena crowd applauded during a tribute video for him. Atlanta made just eight of its 46 three-point attempts and shot 38% overall.

Hawks reserve Kingston Flemmings scored 12 points before officials ejected him late in the game for elbowing Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens in the face. The play prompted a brief on-court confrontation, and officials reviewed video before making the decision.

Atlanta visits Indiana on Monday. New Orleans also plays Monday, on the road against Memphis.