Egor Demin scores 22 in his return as the Nets rout the Pelicans 145-111

New Orleans (AP) — Egor Demin, back from a six-game injury absence, scored 22 points as the Brooklyn Nets won 145-111 over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the team's fourth consecutive loss. Michael Porter Jr. also scored 22 points, while Julius Randle contributed 17, and Noah Clowney and Moritz Wagner added 16 each for the Nets.

All eight Nets players scored in double-digits. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 29 points, continuing their streak of allowing 138 or more points in three straight games. The Pelicans lost by a franchise-record 51 points, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Saddiq Bey contributed 15 points for the Pelicans. The Nets shot 57% from the field, and nine different players made at least one three-pointer.

Brooklyn led 83-66 at halftime, and the team set franchise records for points in a first half and a regulation game. The Nets extended their lead to 124-84 in the fourth quarter, fueled by a 17-1 scoring run. The Pelicans have not won two consecutive games since November 2022.