NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Turning the ball over 21 times is tough for any team to overcome, and the Bulls certainly couldn’t do so in their 2024-25 season opener Wednesday night
Brandon Ingram scored 33 points and iced the game with a baseline turnaround jumper with 1:46 to go, as Chicago’s 21 turnovers led to 30 Pelicans points in a 123-111 loss in New Orleans.
The Pelicans overcame the absence of Zion Williamson, ruled out shortly before the game because of an illness, marking his 207th missed regular-season game since he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2019.
Newly-acquired point guard Dejounte Murray had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in his Pelicans debut, but he injured his left hand in the fourth quarter. CJ McCollum scored 23 for New Orleans.
Zach LaVine scored 27 points, and Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who trailed for most of the second half and by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter.
Offseason acquisitions Jalen Smith (15 points) and Josh Giddey (14 points) made solid debuts for Chicago.
Jordan Hawkins added 13 points for the Pelicans.
Takeaways
New Orleans might be able to rely on their first-round pick, 7-footer Yves Missi, more than initially thought. Missi was considered too raw to play significant minutes early this season when he was drafted 21st overall out of Baylor in June. But missing their top front-court player in Williamson, the Pelicans played Missi 23 minutes, and he was effective, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds three blocks and a steal.
When Missi walked to the bench with 4:20 left, he received a standing ovation.
Key moment
Ingram’s third 3 of the game gave the Pelicans a 107-92 lead and capped a pivotal 13-2 run during which Ingram scored eight points, including another 3 and two free throws.
Key stat
Chicago turned the ball over 21 times, leading to 30 Pelicans points. LaVine committed seven turnovers.
Up next
The Bulls visit Milwaukee on Friday, the same day the Pelicans open a four-game trip at Portland.
The Bulls and Bucks tip off at 7 p.m. from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee’s home opener. The Bulls’ homer opener is 7 p.m. Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.