Introduction: Brandon Ingram

NEW ORLEANS — Brandon Ingram scored 33 points in 1:46 and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame the absence of Zion Williamson to beat the Chicago Bulls 123-111 on Wednesday night. Season opener.

Freshman DeJonte Murray had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Pelicans, but injured his left hand in the fourth quarter. C. J. McCallum scored 23 points for New Orleans.

Williamson left the game shortly before the game with an illness, missing his 207th regular season game since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft.

Zach LaVine scored 27 points and Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who pulled away for most of the second half and added 16 points in the fourth quarter. Jalen Smith had 15 points and Josh Guide had 14 points for Chicago. Jordan Hawkins scored 13 points for the Pelicans. Can be taken away

New Orleans is leaning on first-round pick Yves Missy, 7-foot-5, who is bigger than first thought. Heading into this season, Missy was considered unlikely to play significant minutes when Baylor took him 21st overall in June. However, after losing their leading forward, Williamson, the Pelicans played 23 minutes with Missy, who finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and one steal.

There was a standing ovation when Macy went to the bench with 4:20 left.

important moment

Ingram’s three-pointer gave the Pelicans a 107-92 lead. Key Stats: Chicago turned the ball over 21 times, giving the Pelicans 30 points. Levine committed seven turnovers.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ 2023-24 season ended in April with Zion Williamson in street clothes. Williamson missed the team’s first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a hamstring strain.

The Pelicans’ 2024-25 season began Wednesday without Williamson. He missed the team’s first game against the Chicago Bulls due to illness.

to the next

The Bulls visit Milwaukee on Friday, the same day the Pelicans open a four-game series in Portland.