Powerful Celtics jump out to early lead, handle Pelicans

It was a measuring stick, of sorts.

The New Orleans Pelicans had to face the team with the best record in the NBA in the Boston Celtics at Smoothie King Center.

Against a team that defends extremely well, the Pelicans could not afford to lose touch early.

Unfortunately for the home team, that is exactly what happened.

The Celtics bolted out to a huge early lead and maintained the edge throughout, holding off the Pelicans 117-109.

It was the ninth straight win for the red hot team from Boston.

Boston led by double figures most of the way, bolting out to a huge 40-25 lead after one quarter and led by as many as 19 points.

The Celtics blistered the nets, making 20 shots from 3-point range. It was too much to overcome.

Once again, Zion Williamson did not play.

Needless to say, New Orleans could have used him on this night.

Brandon Ingram nailed five 3-pointers on the way to 25 points while CJ McCollum had 18 points and Herb Jones finished with 17 points. Lanny Nance Jr. had 16 points off the bench.

Losing Williamson is tough enough.

The Pelicans lost Trey Murphy in the second quarter with a foot injury and he did not return.

The Pelicans (9-7) return to action Monday night against the team that beat Boston in the NBA championship series last season in Golden State.