Tyreke Evans was unavailable to play, but Anthony Davis returned to action as the Pelicans welcomed the Nets. Unfortunately for the home team, he started the game off a quick 0-5 from the field, symbolizing the slow start by both squads. More than midway through the first quarter, both teams were tied at 7 points apiece.
Following a timeout, Wayne Ellington got hot, drilling a a trio of three-pointers (and made 4 total in first 12 minutes). Ryan Anderson responded with 7 points of his own to keep the Pelicans in the game, and New Orleans trailed 22-16 at the end of the first.