The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-102, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

The Pelicans (4-16) entered the home contest as heavy underdogs, but their early play hinted it could be a night of surprises. New Orleans opened the game with a hot hand that led to 36 first-quarter points, and they followed it up by matching that total in the second period. Coupled with some strong defense, that led to a 22-point halftime lead that would ultimately grow by three by game's end. The hosts got it done with strong work from distance and on defense, shooting 41.4 percent from three-point range and forcing 19 turnovers.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and one assist. Raul Neto poured in 13 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie managed 11 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Montrezl Harrell produced 10 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal.

Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 26 points, complementing them with five boards, three assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Josh Hart managed 16 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Willy Hernangomez registered 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte' Graham contributed matching 12-point tallies, with Alexander-Walker adding six rebounds, five assists and one block.

The Wizards remain on the road and take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Pelicans hit the road and face the Utah Jazz on Friday night as well.