Pelicans Made A Statement With Win Over Nets

The New Orleans Pelicans had one of the best wins of opening night.

The Pelicans went on the road and defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 130-108.

Many people think the Nets have a chance to win the East this year, but New Orleans dismantled them.

One big reason for the win was the return of Zion Williamson.

The Pelicans star missed all of last season with an injury.

He bounced back with 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals in his season debut.

The strength and ability to finish around the rim are what Williamson does best.

He is also an incredible athlete which makes him must-see TV every time he is on the floor.

The other All-Star caliber player in New Orleans is Brandon Ingram.

The 25-year-old has taken his game to another level after being traded from the Lakers to the Pelicans.

Ingram scored 28 points, with seven rebounds and five assists in his season debut.

He was also a very efficient 10-17 from the field.

This Pelicans team has a chance to be the surprise team of the Western Conference.

B.I., CJ, and Zion combined tonight for:

🏀 74 PTS
🏀 20 REB
🏀 14 AST
🏀 8 STL
#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/OndcABhQL8

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 20, 2022

A Sign Of Things To Come

Last year they were the eighth seed in the playoffs without Williamson.

Now, they could be much better with Zion back in the fold along with CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and the aforementioned Ingram.

The Pelicans will need to be good defensively this year if they want to take that next step.

They gave up 108 points to the Nets on a bad shooting night.

If they can play better team defense this year, they have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament out west.