Two nights after a one-sided defeat to one of the NBA’s hottest teams and premier offenses, New Orleans faced an opponent at the opposite end of the spectrum. Brooklyn did not play like a struggling squad residing near the bottom of the league standings.

The Nets roared out of the gate Wednesday with an explosive first half, belying their No. 28 ranking in offense entering the night, firing in shots from beyond the three-point arc and in the paint. Brooklyn’s lead was 17 points at halftime and climbed over 30 early in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans allowed over 135 points for the third consecutive game. The Clippers and Golden State tallied 139 and 138 points against the Pelicans during a road back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

BY THE NUMBERS

83: Brooklyn first-half points, the most the Nets have scored in any half this season. Their 44 points in the second quarter was also the club’s best offensive period of 2026-27.

16: Pelicans turnovers, leading to 23 Nets points. Brooklyn's offense (57 percent from the field, 49 percent on threes) didn't need any help.

NEXT FOR NEW ORLEANS

A Friday rematch vs. Memphis in the Blender, 10 days after New Orleans posted a 135-134 overtime victory in FedEx Forum, one of the NBA’s most entertaining games early in 2026-27. Friday’s Grizzlies-Pelicans West Group B matchup is a virtual must-win for both teams to remain in contention for the NBA Cup knockout stage, after beginning 0-1 in pool play.

NEXT VS. NETS

The Pelicans will be in New York City on Christmas night, because their lone trip to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is on Dec. 26.