Ochai Agbaji and Jamison Battle poured in 24 points, leading the Toronto Raptors to their first road win of the season with a 119-93 victory over the slumping New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Toronto, which entered the game 0-10 on the road, found its rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down a season-high 21 three-pointers. Agbaji went 6-for-7 from deep, while Battle hit 6-of-8.
RJ Barrett contributed 22 points and 11 assists for the Raptors, and Scottie Barnes added 17.
The Pelicans, already short-handed with Zion Williamson (hamstring), Brandon Ingram (calf), Herb Jones (shoulder), and Trey Murphy III (knee) all sidelined, struggled to keep pace. CJ McCollum led New Orleans with 19 points in his second game back from an adductor strain, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl posted 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Djounte Murray, returning from a fractured left hand after missing 17 games, struggled early, missing his first seven shots. He finished with 14 points on 5-for-17 shooting as the Pelicans dropped their sixth straight and 15th in their last 17 games.
Takeaways
Raptors: Toronto’s 21 made three-pointers were its most in a game since January 2021.
Pelicans: Coach Willie Green opted for a smaller lineup, starting 6-foot-11 Yves Missi at center alongside 6-6 Boston, 6-5 Murray, 6-4 Javonte Green, and 6-3 McCollum. The Pelicans struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 11-for-35 from deep.
Key Moment
Toronto took full control in the third quarter when Barrett fueled a 16-2 run. After assisting on an Agbaji alley-oop layup, he scored eight straight points on two free throws and three layups, pushing the Raptors’ lead to 79-53.
Key Stat
The Raptors, who ranked last in the NBA in three-pointers made per game (10.4), shot 21-of-52 (40.4%) from beyond the arc.
Up Next
The Raptors continue their road trip at Miami on Friday night, while the Pelicans travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies.
