Hayward's 26 points pace Hornets past Pelicans, 118-110

Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and Charlotte Hornets methodically came back from an 18-point, second-quarter deficit to beat New Orleans Pelicans 118-110 on Friday night.

Miles Bridges scored 20 points and Devonte Graham had 17 for Hornets, who didn't take ir first lead until fourth quarter, when y outscored New Orleans 36-23.

Zion Williamson scored 26 points and Josh Hart had 19 for Pelicans, who've lost three straight, all at home. Brandon Ingram added 17 points but was 3-of-10 shooting. JJ Redick also scored 17 points

game marked first time brors Lonzo and LaMelo Ball — both top-three draft choices within past four years — played against one ar. LaMelo Ball, picked third overall in 2020, had better night, nearly tching a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

LaMelo Ball hit a 3 with his bror guarding him and also blocked his bror's driving layup, forcing a jump ball that Lonzo, who at 6-foot-6 is an inch shorter than his bror, was able to win to a teammate.

Lonzo Ball, a second overall draft pick by Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, missed 6 of 7 3-point shots and finished with five points.

Pelicans led by double digits most of first half and by 18 points when Redick's 3 made it 47-29 in middle of second quarter.

New Orleans was still up 59-47 to open second half, but Charlotte quickly began tightening things up.

Terry Rozier hit a 3 and Hayward added short jumper and ar 3, cutting lead to 62-55.

Ar 3 by Hayward, two more by Rozier and one by Bridges in a span of less than three minutes got Hornets within 72-69.

Pelicans gradually rebuilt ir lead to eight late in period, but LaMelo Ball hit a step-back 3 while being defended by his bror to make it 87-82 heading into final quarter.

Graham's driving right-handed floater as he was fouled by Nickeil Alexander-Walker put Charlotte up for first time at 105-103 with 5:46 to go. Hayward's 3 with 3:43 left put Hornets ahead 109-105.

TIP-INS

Hornets: Rozier finished with 15 points and Bismack Biyombo scored 11. ... Charlotte outrebounded Pelicans 45-36 and turned 16 offensive rebounds into 26 second-chance points.

Pelicans: New Orleans committed 19 turvers, leading to 27 Charlotte points. ... Pelicans lost despite outshooting Hornets 49.4% (38 of 77) to 47.1 % (41 of 87), as well as 39.5% (15 of 39) to 38.1% (16 of 42) from 3-point range. ... New Orleans completed a four-game home stand at 1-3.

UP NEXT

Hornets: Host Atlanta on Saturday night in first of three straight at home.

Pelicans: Visit Dallas on Monday night to begin a seven-game road trip.

Im credits: AP