Pelicans’ Jonas Valanciunas Scores Season-High 29 Points, Leads Win vs. Hornets

Pelicans coach Willie Green strategized to utilize Valanciunas more, given the Hornets’ weakened frontcourt. Valanciunas took full advantage, causing significant trouble for Charlotte’s Nick Richards and Nathan Mensah, who collectively accumulated 11 fouls early in the fourth quarter.

“He was excellent,” Green said. “We put the ball in his hands and he either made the right play, either scoring or getting to the free throw line 90% of the time. That is something that is a luxury for us. If we don’t have it going we can just throw it to JV.”

Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the challenge of containing Valanciunas, especially given the current team composition. With critical players like P.J. Washington also sidelined, the Hornets faced added difficulty, highlighted by Mensah fouling out in his NBA debut.

“He’s a really good player,” Clifford said of Valanciunas. “He’s been a good player for a long time. It was evident right in the first quarter there they were going to go to him a lot more than usual. He’s big and he’s physical and he really knows how to play.”

Charlotte initially trailed by 11 at the half but briefly surged ahead in the third quarter, spurred by Rozier and Bridges. However, McCollum’s resurgence in the fourth quarter, including key three-pointers, helped extend the Pelicans’ lead. Despite a late push from the Hornets, highlighted by Rozier’s 3-pointer, the Pelicans secured the win with Herbert Jones’ crucial free throws and rebounding in the final moments.

“I’m just taking whatever the defense gives me,” Rozier said. “I obviously want to get guys involved at the beginning, but I’ll find ways to get mine, too.”

Rozier continued his strong scoring run, averaging 28.3 points over the last seven games, taking on more responsibility in LaMelo Ball’s absence due to an ankle injury.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans face the San Antonio Spurs next, while the Hornets host the Philadelphia 76ers in their upcoming matchups.