Clutch City Kings: Pelicans' 'Big Three' Fends Off Furious Hornets Comeback in Charlotte Thriller

Basketball, you know, it’s a game of runs, a seesaw battle where momentum can shift on a dime. And honestly, for anyone watching Tuesday night’s clash in Charlotte, it felt like a masterclass in exactly that. The New Orleans Pelicans, a squad often lauded for its offensive firepower, ultimately outlasted a truly spirited Charlotte Hornets team, clinging to a 116-112 victory that was, in truth, far tighter than that early lead might suggest.

From the jump, the Pelicans looked like they meant business. They absolutely steamrolled the Hornets in that opening frame, building up a formidable 33-16 advantage. It was, you could say, a statement of intent, an early declaration that their 'Big Three' — Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram — had arrived ready to dominate. Zion, with his signature blend of power and finesse, was a handful, as was McCollum, effortlessly finding his spots. Ingram, too, seemed to glide, contributing in all the right ways.

But the Hornets? Well, they weren't about to roll over. Not on their home court, not with the energy their young guns bring. Slowly, steadily, almost imperceptibly at first, they started to chip away. By halftime, that comfortable Pelicans cushion had dwindled to a mere three points, 60-57. Imagine the locker room vibes, right? One team probably thinking, 'We got this,' and the other, 'We're right back in it.' It's funny how quickly things can turn, isn't it?

The second half, frankly, was everything you want in an NBA game. It was a proper slugfest. Brandon Miller, for the Hornets, was just brilliant, hitting tough shots and showcasing why he’s such a promising talent. And Miles Bridges, with his athleticism and scoring punch, alongside the always-dangerous Terry Rozier, kept pushing, pushing, pushing. They even snatched a brief lead in the fourth quarter, momentarily stunning the Pelicans and, I’d wager, their fans back home.

Yet, when the chips were down, New Orleans' star power shone brightest. That 'Big Three' didn't just show up; they showed out. Each of them poured in 25 points or more — Zion with 26, McCollum and Ingram both dropping 25. That kind of balanced, high-level scoring from your main guys? It’s often the difference-maker, especially in close contests. Trey Murphy III also added a crucial 19 points off the bench, proving just how deep this Pelicans squad can be.

In the final moments, with the pressure mounting, it was CJ McCollum who, fittingly, iced the game with a pair of free throws. It wasn't always pretty, certainly not after that scorching start, but a win’s a win. The Pelicans shot a commendable 53.7% from the field, which, frankly, made up for a few too many turnovers. The Hornets, for their part, struggled a bit more from the floor, hitting just 41.6% of their shots, a stat that ultimately proved costly.

So, the Pelicans escape Charlotte with a hard-fought road victory, a testament to their resilience and star power, especially playing the second night of a back-to-back. The Hornets, meanwhile, can take solace in a phenomenal comeback effort, knowing they pushed a formidable opponent right to the brink. Basketball, in all its unpredictable glory, delivers yet again.