Bledoe, Ingram lead Pelicans past Raptors, 120-116
Baynes #Baynes
New Orleans Pelicans center Steven Adams (12), forward Zion Williamson (1) and Toronto Raptors center Aron Baynes (46) fight for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) passes the ball to center Aron Baynes (46) as New Orleans Pelicans center Steven Adams (12) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
Toronto Raptor guard Kyle Lowry (7) discusses a call with referee Rodney Mott (71) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, left, drives to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart, right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots over Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) and forward OG Anunoby (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) loses the ball as he drives to the basket with Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy talks with referee Rodney Mott (71) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in New Orleans.
By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Eric Bledsoe capped a 19-point, 10-assist performance with a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, and the New Orleans Pelicans held on for a 120-116 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Brandon Ingram added 31 points, capped by four free throws in the last 13 seconds to seal the victory. Zion Williamson scored 21 points, highlighted by a pair of driving spin moves in the lane to set up left-handed leaners off the glass.
The Pelicans lost a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter, briefly falling behind in the final four minutes, but were able clamp down defensively and limit the Raptors to just one point during the final 2:47.
“The thing I like the best is our resilience,” Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said. “It’s not easy to give up a double-digit lead with (8:30) to go and then go behind. A lot of teams sort of fade away at that point.”
Fred VanVleet scored 27 points and Chris Boucher added 24 for Toronto. Pascal Siakam scored 10 points, but fouled out with 8:30 remaining.
“He struggled, there was no doubt about it,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said of Siakam. “He had a few decent plays and a few good drives in there, but again he obviously struggled.”
The Pelicans led 101-89 when Josh Hart made a free throw just after Siakam fouled out.