New Orleans Pelicans (21-45) beat Washington Wizards (16-47) 138-118 at home on Sunday, March 8. The final margin was 20 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Wizards had the better start, winning the first 35-32 to lead by 3 after one. The Pelicans moved in front with a 35-30 second quarter, carrying a 2-point lead into halftime.
The Pelicans won the third 35-28 to create some separation, taking a 9-point lead into the fourth. The Pelicans took the fourth 36-25; the Pelicans finished the job for a 138-118 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Pelicans made 41.6 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 24.2 for the Wizards. The Pelicans took better care of the ball, turning it over on 7.6% of possessions compared with 15.9% for the Wizards. The points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
At roughly 106 possessions per team, the Pelicans produced 129.8 points per 100 possessions to 111 for the Wizards.
The Wizards' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 70-41.
Who stood out
Trey Murphy III was the game's biggest individual force for NOP: 24 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast on 7-14 shooting. His Game Score of 22.7 led everyone. His team was +11 with him on the floor.
Saddiq Bey (23 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Pelicans about a 80% chance.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, New Orleans Pelicans lead 3-0.
The Pelicans are now 21-45, and the Wizards are 16-47. The Pelicans last five before this game: W-L-L-W-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.