March 9th - The Pelicans defeated the Wizards 138-118. Murphy III contributed 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Bay added 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. For the Wizards, Johnson scored 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, while Riley contributed 19 points and 3 rebounds.

At the start of the game, Trae Young and Johnson hit consecutive three-pointers to give the Wizards an early lead, but the Pelicans relied on Murphy III and Fells to keep the score close. At the end of the first quarter, the Wizards led 35-32. In the second quarter, the Wizards extended their lead to 8 points, but Murphy III quickly tied the game, and then Bay and Williamson scored consecutively to help the Pelicans take the lead. At halftime, the Pelicans led 67-65.

After switching sides, the Pelicans took an early 10- point lead thanks to Murray's consecutive scoring. Fells and Quinn added 7 points with a combination of shots and drives, giving the Pelicans a 9- point lead after three quarters . In the final quarter, the Pelicans relied on Murphy III's consecutive three-pointers and Bay's repeated drives to the basket, quickly widening the gap to over 20 points. Although the Wizards attempted to close the gap, they were unable to do so. Ultimately, the Pelicans defeated the Wizards 138-118 .

Wizards player data

Johnson had 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist; Riley had 19 points and 3 rebounds; Young had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists; Gil had 11 points and 2 rebounds; Hardy had 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; Black had 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists; Carrington had 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists; Sal had 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist; and Koulibaly had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Pelicans player statistics

Murphy III had 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists; Bay had 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists; Williamson had 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist; Murray had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists; Fells had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists; Quinn had 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists; Matkovic had 5 points and 2 rebounds; and McGowan had 4 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists.

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