The New Orleans Pelicans ended the first half of the season just like they started the season: with a win over the Chicago Bulls.

Zion Williamson highlighted a 24-point, 14-rebound performance with an array of thunderous dunks during a dominant fourth-quarter stint, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night to open a two-game set.

Nikola Jokic posted his league-leading 17th triple-double of the season, bundling 24 points with 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Denver Nuggets' 133-113 road win over the Miami Heat on Friday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Edwards had 36 points, a season-high 13 rebounds and seven assists, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 116-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.

The Pelicans had to issue a suspension but the locker room has been encouraged by Zion Williamson's response to public scolding.

The Wizards are squarely in the driver's seat for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. They rank dead last in the league in both offensive rating and defensive rating and Washington's focus for 2024-25 should be on moving the veterans and developing the youngsters.

PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Brunson scored 16 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, and Josh Hart had the 11th triple-double of his career as the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 125-119 on Wednesday night.

Kirby Dach scored twice and the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-3 on Tuesday night. Mike Matheson, Patrik Laine and Cole Caufield also scored for Montreal, which has won eight of its last 10.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Chicago Bulls lost to the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 119-113. This marked only one of eight games New Orleans' star Zion Williamson has participated in this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 25 points during a 47-point first quarter that propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 130-115 win over the visiting Kings on Tuesday night, snapping S