New Orleans Pelicans defeats Toronto Raptors 122-111

New Orleans Pelicans Outlast Toronto Raptors in a High-Scoring Affair

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-111 on Tuesday night at home. A strong second half propelled the Pelicans to victory, overcoming a tight first half and showcasing their offensive firepower. The game, played on March 11, 2026, was a crucial win for New Orleans as they continue their push for playoff contention.

Game Flow

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Toronto came out strong, establishing an early lead behind aggressive drives to the basket. However, New Orleans responded with efficient three-point shooting to stay within striking distance. Q1: 29-30.

The second quarter saw the Pelicans begin to find their rhythm offensively. Zion Williamson started to assert his dominance in the paint, drawing fouls and finishing strong. While Toronto remained competitive, New Orleans managed to edge ahead slightly, taking a narrow lead into halftime. Q2: 31-28. The Raptors struggled with turnovers in the second, leading to easy transition points for the Pelicans.

The third quarter was where the Pelicans truly took control of the game. A 12-4 run to start the quarter ignited the New Orleans crowd and put significant pressure on Toronto. Their defense tightened up, forcing tough shots and generating steals. The Raptors’ offense sputtered, and they struggled to answer the Pelicans’ scoring burst. Q3: 33-25. New Orleans capitalized on Toronto's cold shooting, extending their lead to double digits.

The fourth quarter saw Toronto attempt a frantic comeback, but the Pelicans were able to maintain their composure and answer every Raptors push. Clutch shooting from CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones sealed the victory for New Orleans. Toronto managed to match the Pelicans score in the final period, but the damage had already been done. Q4: 29-28. Ultimately, the Pelicans’ consistent offense and improved defense proved too much for the Raptors to overcome, resulting in a final score of 122-111.

Highlight Players

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with a dominant performance, finishing with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Williamson was unstoppable in the paint, consistently drawing fouls and finishing over defenders. His aggressive drives and powerful post moves were key to New Orleans’ offensive success.

CJ McCollum provided a crucial scoring punch off the bench, contributing 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. McCollum’s ability to create his own shot and knock down difficult jumpers proved invaluable, particularly in the fourth quarter when Toronto was making a push. He shot 11-22 from the field, including 4-9 from beyond the arc.

Herbert Jones was a force on both ends of the floor, tallying 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jones’ defensive intensity disrupted the Raptors’ offense, and his scoring efficiency (8-14 FG) was a welcome addition to the Pelicans’ attack.

Team Stats Breakdown

The New Orleans Pelicans showcased a balanced offensive performance, shooting FG% 52.5% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. They dominated the interior, scoring 66 points in the paint and racking up 50 total rebounds, including 15 offensive rebounds. The Pelicans also displayed good ball movement, dishing out 30 assists while committing only 14 turnovers.

Toronto struggled with their shooting efficiency, posting a FG% of 43.2% and a 32.1% clip from beyond the arc. They were outrebounded 50-42, and their 18 turnovers proved costly. The Raptors managed 52 points in the paint, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Pelicans' offensive output. Toronto recorded 26 assists. A key difference was the Pelicans’ ability to convert second-chance opportunities, scoring 20 points off offensive rebounds compared to Toronto’s 8.

New Orleans Pelicans: Points: 122, FG%: 52.5%, 3PT%: 38.5%, Rebounds: 50, Assists: 30, Turnovers: 14, Points in the Paint: 66

Toronto Raptors: Points: 111, FG%: 43.2%, 3PT%: 32.1%, Rebounds: 42, Assists: 26, Turnovers: 18, Points in the Paint: 52

Next Game Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans will be back in action on March 13, 2026, as they travel to Houston to take on the Rockets. This will be a challenging road game against a young and energetic Houston team. The Pelicans will need to maintain their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity to secure a victory. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CST.