Demin returns as Nets rout Pelicans by 34

Demin was back after sitting out six contests because of a leg bone contusion and scored 22 points as Brooklyn handed New Orleans its fourth straight loss. Michael Porter Jr. also had 22 points, while Julius Randle scored 17. Eight Nets finished in double figures.

Brooklyn shot 57% from the field and made 20 of 41 three-pointers, with nine players hitting at least one. The Nets led 83-66 at halftime, their highest-scoring first half since December 2022 and the third-highest in franchise history.

The lead grew to 40 in the fourth quarter, reaching 124-84 during a 17-1 Brooklyn run. The Nets finished with 30 assists and outrebounded New Orleans 42-28.

Zion Williamson scored 29 points for the Pelicans, who have allowed at least 138 points in three consecutive games. New Orleans had suffered a club-record 51-point defeat against Golden State in its previous game. Saddiq Bey added 15 points. Rookie Jaron Pierre Jr. scored his first NBA basket.

The Nets visit Memphis on Saturday to close a four-game road trip. The Pelicans host Memphis on Friday.