NBA: Toronto Raptors defeat New Orleans Pelicans in season opener

The NBA 2019-20 season opened with the Toronto Raptors prevailing over the New Orleans Pelicans with a 130-122 overtime victory. The match took place on Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 am IST at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario, Canada. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet scored 34 points each for Toronto Raptors, while Brandon Ingram was New Orleans Pelicans high-point scorer for the opening game with 22 points. 

Also Read | NBA: Referees question travelling call on Rockets' star James Harden

NBA: Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans match report

With Derrick Favors and Brandon Ingram earning early points, the New Orleans Pelicans, had a well-maintained lead after the game started. However, Vanvleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry closed the deficit by the time Q1 came to an end. Pelicans even gained a 25-19 lead, but Toronto Raptors made a comeback, ending Q1 with a three-point lead. Pelicans played well as the first half progressed, even gaining a 52-46 lead with around three minutes left to go. Ingram, as well as Lonzo Ball, earned crucial points for the Pelicans as first-half ended with a 61-56 advantage to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Also Read | NBA News: New Orleans Pelicans to open season without Zion Williamson

Q3 began with Vanvleet scoring early points for his team. The teams picked up their pace, delivering back-to-back three-pointers and trying to establish a lead. Ingram and Vanvleet continued to drain threes, and Q3 ended with Raptors having an 88-86 advantage. Vanvleet, Lowry and Siakam scored back-to-back points as the second half came to an end, the match going into overtime with a 117-117. Marc Gasol's five points and Lowry's three-point shot with under a minute to go earned Raptors a 130-122 victory. JJ Redick and Jrue Holiday scored the five points Pelicans earned during overtime. 

Also Read | NBA: Golden State Warriors shift base to Chase Center for new season

Also Read | NBA 2019-20: New York Knicks profile, roster and season schedule