Pelicans take care of business in 119-84 win over Spurs

It is a lighter part of the schedule, to be certain. The New Orleans Pelicans had four straight games against bottom-feeder NBA teams.

Through three games, the Pelicans have won two of those after demolishing San Antonio 119-84 at Smoothie King Center Tuesday night.

The outcome was never in doubt as the Pelicans took control early and never let up.

New Orleans led 27-16 after one quarter and 64-39 at halftime. It was 91-65 going to the final frame.

In just 31 minutes, Brandon Ingram pumped in 32 points, sinking 10 of 16 field goal attempts and making all 10 free throws. Ingram scored half his points in the third quarter. Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Trey Murphy III added 17 points.

The Pelicans blistered the nets to the tune of 56 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free throw line. The game looks easy and teams look good when shots are falling. New Orleans had 31 assists on 45 made shots.

New Orleans handled San Antonio 49-37 on the boards, won fast break points 13-7 and crushed the Spurs 58-32 with points in the paint.

Now 35-37, the Pelicans are a half game behind Utah for the 10th spot in the Western Conference with 10 games to play. Oklahoma City, a half game up on the Pelicans, played a late game against the Clippers.

The win completed a season sweep of the series with the Spurs for the Pelicans.

Next up is a home game Thursday against another lowly team in Charlotte, another must win for the Pelicans in their quest to make the postseason.