Anthony Davis had 33 points and 14 rebounds as the Pelicans pummeled the Pistons 109-86 in New Orleans.
The Pelicans were without DeMarcus Cousins, who was serving a one-game suspension for his 18th technical foul. New Orleans won for the first time since acquiring Cousins from the Kings.
Jon Leuer netted 22 points for Detroit, which dropped to 29-and-32. Andre Drummond had 13 points and 17 rebounds before being ejected in the third quarter.
Drummond was tossed out of the game after pushing Tim Frazier in the head during a dead ball. Frazier had stolen the ball from behind under the basket, causing Drummond to react angrily and shove the Pelicans’ backup guard. New Orleans’ lead was just 73-67 at the time of Drummond’s ejection, but the Pels immediately scored the next five points and seized momentum.
Frazier said “It might have been just frustration. Any time as a big, you hate when little guys come in and snag rebounds. I think it was frustration."
“A lot of guys stepped up and made shots," Davis said after the game.
"We just have to carry it over to Friday’s game, when (Cousins) is back. Of course it will be different, but we just have to find a way to do it with or without him. He brings a different look to our team, but we just need everyone to play the same way they did tonight.”
The Pelicans host San Antonio on Friday and the tipoff will come a little later than usual at 8:30 p.m.