An opportunity for a rare win was not what it seemed. By the time the Brooklyn Nets were finished, the Pelicans went from rare to well-done.
The Nets took control early and kept its foot on the pedal in a 119-101 win Saturday over New Orleans at Brooklyn. It was the sixth straight loss for the Pelicans.
The opportunity was clear. The Nets are a poor team that had won just one home game in 11 tries. They have now won two home games and improved to 6-17 on the year.
That happened because of the opponent. While the Nets are poor, the Pelicans are worse.
As usual, New Orleans was well outpaced from distance, outscored 42-27 from 3-point range. That is a regular occurence.
For that matter, the leaky New Orleans defense allowed the Nets to shoot 53 percent from the field.
Brooklyn outscored New Orleans 66-54 in the paint.
The outcome was never in doubt as the Nets led by as many as 28 points.
Michael Porter Jr. tied a season high with 35 points to pace Brooklyn.
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 23 points. Saddiq Bey scored 18 points while Bryce McGowens added 16 points. Jeremiah Fears had 14 points but was just 4 of 16 from the field.
Now 3-21, the Pelicans, who own the worst record in the NBA, return home to host San Antonio Monday night.