Zion Williamson propels Pelicans past 76ers

Zion Williamson had 23 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots, Naji Marshall added 19 points and the New Orleans Pelicans built a 35-point lead before holding on for a 103-95 victory over the host Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

Brandon Ingram scored 17 points while CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III chipped in with 10 apiece for the Pelicans, who won their third game in a row.

Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 20 points and Paul Reed had 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Cameron Payne scored 13 points for the Sixers, who have dropped three straight and seven of 10.

The short-handed Sixers were missing Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Nicolas Batum, De'Anthony Melton and Robert Covington.

Down 55-20 in the second quarter, Philadelphia closed within 100-95 when Jeff Dowtin Jr. hit a 3-pointer with 44.9 seconds left in the game.

New Orleans' Herbert Jones followed with a 3-pointer that sealed the win with 24 seconds to go.

Marshall hit a tough 12-foot jump shot for a 92-70 Pelicans lead with 7:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Sixers then proceeded on a quick 12-0 run to close within 10. Harris hit a layup and the deficit was 92-82 with 4:13 left.

The Pelicans jumped out to a 36-15 lead at the end of the first quarter and extended to a 35-point advantage with 5:13 left in the second on a 3-pointer by Murphy.

New Orleans held a 63-34 advantage at halftime thanks in large part to 14 points from Williamson.

Reed was the only Sixer to reach double figures in the half with 10. Philadelphia shot 2-for-20 from 3-point territory before the break.

The Sixers closed within 71-55 with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter when Buddy Hield knocked down a 3-pointer.

Williamson drove to the basket on the Pelicans' next possession, was fouled by Mo Bamba, and made two free throws for an 18-point lead.

The Pelicans then surged to an 84-61 lead at the end of the third.

—Field Level Media