NEW ORLEANS — In a much-needed win for the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson delivered a standout performance with 34 points and 10 assists, while Brandon Ingram contributed 26 points. The Pelicans overcame a three-game losing streak to secure a 125-118 victory against the Indiana Pacers on Friday evening.

Jordan Hawkins also played a significant role for New Orleans, scoring 23 points off the bench, while Brandon Boston Jr. added another 14 points to the team’s total.

On the other side, Indiana’s Ben Sheppard stood out by sinking six three-pointers, finishing with 20 points. The Pacers initially took control of the game, leading by 13 in the first half, but faced setbacks as they lost two players to injuries.

Guard Nesmith was the leading scorer for Indiana with 12 points before leaving the game due to a left ankle sprain. Additionally, center Isaiah Jackson, who recorded six points and eight rebounds, was assisted off the court following a right leg injury late in the fourth quarter.

Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points for the Pacers, while Pascal Siakam contributed with 16 points, and Tyrese Haliburton notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists.

In the fourth quarter, Indiana’s performance was hindered by the injuries, and they struggled to match the Pelicans’ energy. For New Orleans, both starting players and reserves made crucial contributions, including Jose Alvarado, who scored 12 points, and rookie center Yves Missi, who had a solid outing with 10 rebounds, four points, and a spectacular dunk over Myles Turner.

A key turning point in the game occurred when Siakam was charged with an offensive foul, nullifying a fast-break basket that could have put Indiana in the lead. Following this, coach Rick Carlisle received a technical foul. Ingram capitalized on the situation by making the technical free throw and scoring a jumper shortly after, putting the Pelicans up 109-105 with just 4:51 remaining on the clock.

A noteworthy stat from the game showed that New Orleans capitalized on 14 turnovers by Indiana, converting them into 21 points, while also collecting 15 offensive rebounds that resulted in 14 second-chance points.

Looking ahead, the Pacers will be on the road to face Dallas on Monday night, while the Pelicans will host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.