Most NBA teams are downsizing these days, but New Orleans has often gone the other way lately, relying on a two-big lineup featuring Jonas Valanciunas and Jaxson Hayes. Facing a Toronto team that relies heavily on athleticism and small lineups, the Pelicans’ jumbo combination made the Raptors pay for that size disadvantage, dominating points in the paint (50-36) en route to a one-sided win. The 30-point margin was New Orleans’ largest of 2021-22, with the previous most being a 25-point triumph over Washington on Thanksgiving Eve.
CJ McCollum scores 23 points as Pelicans get blowout win over Raptors
Devonte’ Graham’s scoreless streak was in danger of reaching seven quarters before the ball got swung to him on the left wing late in the second quarter.