CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In an impressive display of skill, LaMelo Ball scored 25 points and Miles Bridges contributed 22 as the Charlotte Hornets triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 123-92 on Saturday evening.

Seth Curry also made a significant impact by scoring 16 points, including four 3-pointers on six attempts. The Hornets surged with a strong first-half run, outscoring the Pelicans 27-8, which led to a comfortable halftime lead of 63-45.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson was the standout performer, recording 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Trey Murphy III added 16 points, while Jordan Hawkins contributed 14 points to the team’s effort.

The Pelicans were without Dejounte Murray, who was sidelined due to right elbow bursitis and a finger sprain after leading the team with 26 points in a previous loss to Memphis.

Notably, this game marked Williamson’s return after he missed time due to a non-COVID illness that had kept him out since January 17, during a match against Utah. Meanwhile, the Hornets welcomed back both Ball and Bridges after they missed a 102-97 defeat to Portland earlier in the week due to injuries.

One pivotal moment in the game came when Curry drained a 3-pointer with just 1:55 remaining in the first quarter. This shot triggered a 12-2 run that concluded the period, giving Charlotte a solid 31-23 lead. This momentum propelled the Hornets through a decisive 27-8 stretch that ultimately sealed the game.

A key statistic revealed that the Hornets enjoyed a formidable 33-point lead during the fourth quarter, marking their largest advantage of the season.

Looking ahead, both the Hornets and Pelicans are set to return to the court next Monday. The Pelicans will travel to Toronto, while the Hornets will be playing at home against the Los Angeles Lakers, kicking off a franchise record nine-game homestand.