Oct 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) and Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) scramble for a loose ball during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans used an 11-0 run to end the third quarter to put the Orlando Magic to bed on the opening night of the NBA season as they cruised to a 101-84 victory.
Anthony Davis had 26 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks for New Orleans (1-0) while Omer Asik added 14 points and 17 boards. Nikola Vucevic had 15 points and 23 rebounds while Tobias Harris added 25 points for Orlando (0-1).
The Magic had remained in striking distance of the Pelicans but an 11-0 run in the final 1:10 of the third quarter extended their lead to 78-64 and included former Magic standout Ryan Anderson hitting three 3-pointers in the final 45 seconds of the quarter.
Elfrid Payton became the first rookie in franchise history to start a game at point guard but he had just four points in 32 minutes while adding seven assists. Aaron Gordon came off the bench and had 11 points and three boards in 28 minutes of action. Evan Fournier also chipped in with 11 points.
Orlando shot just 38 per cent from the floor and had 18 turnovers.
The Pelicans shot 23 per cent from behind the arc and just 48 per cent from the free throw line but out rebounded Orlando 62-56.
Surprisingly, neither Maurice Harkless nor Andrew Nicholson saw the floor tonight. Victor Oladipo and Channing Frye did not play due to injury.
The Magic held a 25-24 edge after the first quarter but New Orleans ended the half on a 17-4 run to push ahead 48-41 at the half.
Orlando host Washington Thursday night in their home opener.