Zion, Pelicans down Cavs

Zion Williamson scored 14 points — all inside — in an uneventful NBA road debut and Jrue Holiday scored 26, leading the Pelicans to a 125-111 victory over the Cavaliers on Jan. 28.

Playing in just his fourth game, Williamson added nine rebounds in 30 minutes, his most as a pro. He didn’t do anything spectacular or particularly crowd pleasing, but that hardly mattered to the Pelicans, who are just happy to have the hyped rookie on the floor and healthy.

Brandon Ingram scored 24 and Nicolo Melli made two big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to slow Cleveland’s comeback.

Collin Sexton scored 24, rookie Kevin Porter Jr. 21 and Larry Nance Jr. had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs, who have lost eight of nine.

It was Cleveland’s first game at home since Kobe

Bryant’s death, and Nance honored his former Lakers teammate by wearing No. 24 in the first half instead of his usual No. 22.

Williamson returned last week after missing the Pelicans’ first 43 games following right knee surgery, and the team’s medical staff is closely monitoring his playing time as he gets back into game shape.

The former Duke star didn’t score in the first quarter before he dropped consecutive layups in the second. Later, Williamson

caught a pass on the block and was set to deliver a twohanded dunk, but Sexton blocked it from behind and then shot a glance at the heralded 19-year-old.

When the Cavs were cutting into the Pelicans’ double-digit lead in the fourth, Williamson grabbed offensive rebounds and made putbacks on consecutive possessions. Williamson’s first road game brought out Cleveland fans, who a year ago were hoping to the basketball gods for the NBA draft lottery to go their way so they could get him.

There was a buzz inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse during early warmups as Williamson worked on post-up moves and drives. When he came off the floor, fans pushed forward to take his photo or beg for an autograph. Williamson signed a few jerseys before heading to the locker room.

Williamson is in high demand, and Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said that’s something he needs to monitor.