Pelicans (1-0 in preseason), Bulls (0-1)
New Orleans figured to hold an early-season advantage on some opponents based on continuity, having brought back every major contributor from the 2022 playoff team. The Pelicans demonstrated that and more Tuesday in their preseason opener, piling up 100-plus points through three quarters, something they only did once during the entire previous 82-game regular season.
With primarily deep reserves on the floor in the fourth quarter, Chicago surged back from a big deficit, before New Orleans iced the outcome.
In his first game since May 2021, Zion Williamson looked a lot like he did in his All-Star campaign, breezing by defenders with a quick first step and rising over bigs via a rapid second jump. Williamson tallied 13 points in 15 minutes, getting on the board early with an and-one tip-in and a dunk.
Preseason Highlights: Devonte' Graham (21 points) vs. Chicago Bulls
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Devonte’ Graham, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez and Larry Nance Jr. combined to supply New Orleans with a significant boost off the bench, looking like they’ve played together before (they have). Graham in particular came out firing and pouring in hoops, finishing with 21 points in 21 minutes. He shot 8/8 at the foul line.
In the fourth quarter, another reserve, rookie Dyson Daniels, helped the Pelicans secure the victory by scoring 12 of his 15 points, including a pair of late foul shots.
WHO STARTED
CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Naji Marshall, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas
WHO DIDN'T PLAY
Brandon Ingram (toe), Trey Murphy (foot), Kira Lewis Jr. (knee)
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pelicans will host Detroit on Friday at 7 p.m., the lone preseason tilt in the Smoothie King Center. Bally Sports New Orleans is televising, with WRNO 99.5 on radio coverage.