A 20-year-old and a 36-year-old led the way for New Orleans individually. Team-wise, a quality defensive performance allowed the Pelicans to cap an unbeaten preseason.
Second-year pro Zion Williamson followed up a big game Monday at Miami with another stellar performance, this time posting 31 points and nine rebounds, repeatedly punishing Milwaukee in the paint. Meanwhile, 15-year guard JJ Redick erupted in the middle quarters, scoring all of his 18 points there. In his 2020 preseason debut, Redick’s outburst helped New Orleans stave off a mid-game push by the Bucks and regain control.
In their final exhibition tuneup, the Pelicans hoped to show continued defensive progress and accomplished some of their goals, holding high-powered Milwaukee (albeit without Giannis Antetokounmpo) to 42 percent shooting.