Jose Alvarado scored 18 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 15.4 seconds left, and the New Orleans Pelicans got their first victory of the season by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 116-112 on Tuesday night in the Smoothie King Center.

After Alvarado’s shot, rookie Derik Queen knocked the ball loose from the Hornets, and Trey Murphy made a steal and hit two free throws. Miles Bridges missed a 3-pointer for the Hornets, and Saddiq Bey added a free throw for the Pelicans.

Eight different Pelicans scored in double figures, led by Murphy with 21 points, Alvarado with 18, Bey at 17, Karlo Matkovic with 13, Queen at 12, and Herb Jones, Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears all chipping in 11.

The Pelicans announced before the game that Zion Williamson was sidelined by a Grade 1 left hamstrin

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