DETROIT (AP) — Zion Williamson produced 36 points and led the New Orleans Pelicans’ 114-101 victory over the short-handed Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
Williamson made 13 of 14 field goals and 10 of 14 free throws in 36 minutes. He added seven rebounds and six assists, in addition to receiving applause from the fans at Little Caesars Arena when he exited the game with 1:20 left.
CJ McCollum added 23 points for the Pelicans (44-27), who have won five of their last six games.
The Pistons were without four of their five starters. Cade Cunningham (knee), Jalen Duren (back), Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) and Ausar Thompson (malaise) missed the game, and sixth man Simone Fontecchio (finger) was also ruled out. Jaden Ivey was the only player available who had scored more than 500 points so far this season.
Chimezu Metu and Malachi Flynn scored 17 points for Detroit (12-59), which lost its sixth straight game. Ivey added 16 points and Buddy Boeheim had a career-high 13 points. The Pistons need four wins in their last 11 games to avoid surpassing the franchise’s losing record of 66.
New Orleans had more points off turnovers (11) and led by 19 before the second quarter.
2024-03-24 22:13:00
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