New Orleans Pelicans 107, Washington Wizards 106 — The New Orleans Pelicans survived a tense, back-and-forth contest on October 17, edging the Washington Wizards 107-106 in a game that came down to the final possession.

Neither team led by more than a handful of points for long stretches, and the fourth quarter turned into a sequence of clutch baskets, defensive stops, and missed opportunities. In the end, New Orleans made one more play than Washington and escaped with a one-point win.

Match overview

The Wizards started slightly better, taking a 28-27 lead after the first quarter, but the Pelicans responded to level the score at 52-52 by halftime. New Orleans then used a stronger third quarter to take an 81-78 advantage into the final period, setting up a dramatic finish.

How the game was decided

The fourth quarter featured several lead changes and a handful of momentum swings. Washington kept the game close with timely three-point shooting, while New Orleans leaned on its interior scoring and second-chance opportunities. The Pelicans’ ability to grab extra possessions proved especially important in a game decided by a single point.

In the final minute, Washington had a chance to steal the win, but New Orleans forced a contested jumper on the last possession and secured the rebound as time expired. The defensive stand capped a gritty closing effort from the Pelicans, who protected the paint and made Washington work deep into the shot clock.

Tactical story

New Orleans’ advantage came inside. The Pelicans attacked the offensive glass, scored through contact, and forced Washington to help defensively. That help opened up kick-out opportunities, and New Orleans generated enough balanced scoring to survive a night when neither team shot lights-out from the perimeter.

Washington’s guards kept the Wizards in it with pace and shot creation. The Wizards moved the ball well in transition and found open shooters when New Orleans collapsed on drives. However, a few empty possessions late in the fourth quarter — including a turnover and a missed open look — proved costly in such a narrow result.

Standout performers

New Orleans’ frontcourt set the tone with physical play on the boards and efficient finishing around the rim. The Pelicans also received important minutes from their bench, which helped them match Washington’s energy during the middle stages of the game.

• New Orleans: Strong interior scoring, crucial offensive rebounds, and a game-sealing defensive possession.
• Washington: Competitive guard play and timely shooting, but too many missed chances in the closing minutes.
• Key factor: The Pelicans’ ability to convert second-chance points in a one-point game.

What the result means

For New Orleans, the win is the kind of narrow result that can build belief early in the season. The Pelicans showed composure in a late-game situation and found a way to win without needing a perfect offensive night.

Washington leaves with a difficult loss but plenty of positives. The Wizards competed on the road, controlled stretches with their backcourt play, and had a chance to win at the end. The focus will now shift to late-game execution and defensive rebounding, two areas that made the difference in the final score.