Defense discovered: Pelicans clamp down, defeat Wizards

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 07: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards drives against Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter in an NBA basketball game at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images)

Posted: Aug 7, 2020 / 10:17 PM AST

Updated: Aug 7, 2020 / 10:17 PM AST

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The Pelicans, playing without rookie first pick Zion Williamson, defeated Washington 118-107 Friday night in the NBA bubble in Orlando.

After yielding 32 points in the first quarter, New Orleans turned to its bench to find a spark and better defense. Guard Frank Jackson scored 13 points, and New Orleans was plus 30 while he was on the floor Friday night. Jost Hart had 10 points, as did Nico Melli.

Williamson was rested on the second night of a back to back.

Jrue Holiday led New Orleans with 28 points on 11 of 16 shooting.

New Orleans moved to 30-39, but are still a game and a half behind 9th place Portland, and two and a half games behind 8th place Memphis in the Western Conference.