Zion’s 31-point effort props Pelicans in win

NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson scored a season-high 31 points, and the New Orleans Pelicans used a dominant second half to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 138-117 on Tuesday night.

Playing 28 minutes in just his ninth NBA game, Williamson used his 6foot-6, 285-pound frame, quick feet and explosive vertical to have his way with every defender Portland tried against him.

JJ Redick scored 20 and Josh Hart had 17 points for New Orleans, which trailed by as many as 16 in the first quarter before taking command en route to a third straight victory.

Portland star Damian Lillard scored 20 points — less than half of his 42point average over his previous 10 games.

76ERS 110, CLIPPERS 103

Ben Simmons had 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as host Philadelphia held off Los Angeles.

Joel Embiid also scored 26 points and Tobias Harris added 17 points and 12 boards for the 76ers, who have the NBA’s best home record at 25-2. Josh Richardson scored 17 of his 21 points in the fourth.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points.

SPURS 114, THUNDER 106

LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and visiting San Antonio stopped a five-game slide by topping Oklahoma City.

Dejounte Murray also scored 25 points for the Spurs, who had dropped eight of 10 overall. Led by Aldridge (7 for 8) and Murray (6 for 6), the Spurs made 25 of 27 foul shots.

Chris Paul led the Thunder with 31 points.

WIZARDS 126, BULLS 114

Bradley Beal scored 30 points as host Washington beat Chicago.

Rui Hachimura added 20 points for the Wizards, who won for the fourth time in six games.