The Brooklyn Nets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-121. The Nets started 2019 hot. They scored 73 points in the first half, which was the most they’ve scored in the first half this season. The Nets took a 73-58 lead into halftime and came out hot again in the third, out scoring the Pelicans 32-29. Then the Pelicans made their run. The Pelicans cut the Net lead to single digits with under 5 minutes to play, but the Nets were able to hang on. The 4th quarter has been an issue for the Nets this season, and it continued today as the Nets were outscored 34-21 in the 4th. Brooklyn will need to get better at closing games when they are up big, and not letting up.

D’Angelo Russell started out the year with a double double, recording 22 points and 13 assists. Russell was efficient all night long, and really started out the year hot with his new haircut. Joe Harris also had a good game, with 21 points on 9-16 shooting. Harris also got a couple of clutch buckets late in the 4th quarter. Jarrett Allen finished with a double double, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds and 2 blocks on Anthony Davis. Spencer Dinwiddie (18 pts and 4 assists) and DeMarre Carroll (19 points and 6 assists) also had good games. For the Pelicans, it was the starters who played well. Anthony Davis was a monster, recording 34 points and a season high 26 rebounds. Elfrid Payton had 25 points and 7 assists, Julius Randle had 21 points on 8-13 shooting, and Jrue Holiday had 20 points on 8-16 shooting. The pelicans starters played very well, but did not get much production from the bench (5 points).

What’s next?

Brooklyn travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Friday night, while the Pelicans travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavs on Saturday night.

#WeGoHard