Nets Dominate Pelicans in Their Best Game of the Season

The Brooklyn Nets put together their best offensive performance of the season Wednesday night, overwhelming the New Orleans Pelicans in a 145-111 victory to close out their road trip in style. Brooklyn found success from just about everywhere on the floor, received a major boost from Egor Dëmin's return, and had several players contribute in what quickly became a one-sided affair.

Dëmin returned to the lineup after missing six consecutive games with a right leg bone bruise suffered against the Boston Celtics on October 27. With Nolan Traoré sidelined by right calf soreness and Mikel Brown Jr. unavailable due to illness, Dëmin stepped right back into the starting lineup alongside Danny Wolf, Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Day'Ron Sharpe.

The Nets wasted little time getting going offensively. After falling behind 4-0, Brooklyn responded with a 9-0 run to take control. Randle and Porter Jr. established themselves early in the paint, while Sharpe and Wolf provided additional production around the basket. Porter was particularly active on the offensive glass, finishing an early possession with a putback dunk.

Brooklyn continued to build its advantage throughout the opening quarter, getting contributions from both its starters and bench. Dëmin knocked down an early three-pointer, while Wolf and Porter each connected from beyond the arc. Mo Wagner also provided an immediate spark off the bench, scoring 13 points in the first half alone. The Nets shot an incredible 61.5% from the field in the opening quarter and took a 39-25 lead into the second.

The offensive explosion only continued in the second quarter. Brooklyn repeatedly found openings inside, with Randle, Sharpe, and Dëmin all getting to the basket. Porter continued his efficient night with another three-pointer, while Noah Clowney and Wagner added valuable contributions.

New Orleans had some success offensively behind Zion Williamson, who was already putting together a big scoring night, but the Pelicans struggled to get enough stops to slow Brooklyn down. The Nets reached 80 points before halftime for the fifth time in franchise history since the NBA began tracking the statistic in 1996-97. Terance Mann capped off an incredible first half with a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending Brooklyn into the break with an 83-66 advantage.

The Nets shot 66.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range in the first half. Their 83 points represented their highest-scoring half of the season and the second-most points they had ever scored in a first half.

Brooklyn also made sure there would be no comeback attempt after halftime. Dëmin opened the third quarter with another three-pointer, while Sharpe made his presence felt defensively with consecutive blocks on Herb Jones and Williamson. Sharpe continued to contribute offensively as well, knocking down two three-pointers during the quarter.

Porter added two more triples, and Clowney continued his strong night with a three-pointer and an offensive rebound dunk. The Nets outscored New Orleans 24-15 in the third quarter, extending their lead to 107-81 heading into the final period.

Any remaining doubt disappeared quickly in the fourth. Dëmin caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers during one stretch as Brooklyn continued to pile on the points. Keon Ellis also got involved with a three-pointer and a fast-break finish, while Wagner connected from deep.

The Nets eventually pushed their advantage to 41 points, their largest lead of the season, after Drake Powell knocked down a three-pointer. Brooklyn's reserves helped close things out, with Powell, Ellis, and Chaney Johnson all contributing down the stretch.

Dëmin finished his return with 22 points, giving Brooklyn an immediate boost in his first game back. Porter also scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Randle contributed 17 points and five assists.

Sharpe had an impressive all-around performance with 15 points, five assists, and four blocks. Clowney added 16 points, marking his first game with more than 10 points this season, while Wagner also finished with 16. Ellis contributed 11 points, and Wolf recorded 10 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.

Williamson led New Orleans with 29 points, while Saddiq Bey finished with 15. Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Poole each added 14 points in the loss.

The victory moves Brooklyn to 3-8 on the season, while New Orleans falls to 4-8. After struggling to find consistency offensively throughout the early portion of the season, the Nets finally put together a performance where nearly everything went their way.

Brooklyn will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup Saturday night when it visits the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 p.m. The contest will mark the fourth and final game of the Nets' road trip.