Pelicans romp over Nets, 112-85

It has been a season long struggle for the New Orleans Pelicans to put opponents away, having played an enormous number of close games. A total of 19 of 34 games have been decided by 10 or fewer points.

It was time for a break from the noise, from the tension and drama.

Thanks to outstanding play, the Pelicans got that break Tuesday night.

New Orleans jumped on top, never trailed and pummeled the Brooklyn Nets 112-86 at Smoothie King Center.

The Pelicans opened the game on a 9-0 run and never looked back.

It was a laugher as New Orleans built a 32-point lead and the outcome was never in doubt. New Orleans led 32-18 after one quarter and 59-34 at halftime. It was 85-58 heading to the fourth quarter. The 58 points were the fewest through three quarters for any team in NBA play this season.

The Nets shot just 35.7 percent, the worst shooting night of the season for Brooklyn.

The Pelicans played 13 players and 12 of those scored with seven scoring in double figures.

CJ McCollum had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, Herb Jones scored 14 points and Jose Alvarado came off the bench to put in 13 points. Brandon Ingram had 12 points, Jordan Hawkins and Jonas Valanciunas each scored 11 points and Zion Williamson finished with 10 points.

Trey Murphy III missed his second straight game with knee soreness.

The Pelicans won the battle of the boards 53-43 and dominated 19-2 in fast break points. The Pelicans had 10 steals, the tenth time this season that has occurred.

The 86 points are the fewest allowed by the Pelicans this season and are the fewest number scored by the Nets.

The win extended the New Orleans win streak to three games and extended the Brooklyn losing streak to four games.

The benefit of having an easy win was Willie Green being able to rest players. No Pelican played more than 25 minutes and that should help immensely since the Pelicans face a very difficult second game of a back-to-back Wednesday evening against Western Conference leader Minnesota.