The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 115-96, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday evening.

The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a, 37-24, lead after one quarter. The Hornets came out stronger in the second and managed to trim it to a five-point game by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the hosts maintained a comfortable advantage and took a seven-point lead into the final quarter. The Pelicans took no chances in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 12 points in the frame to close out their third straight win.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while CJ McCollum totaled 20 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 45.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.

Meanwhile, P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Svi Mykhailiuk followed up with 15 points, two rebounds and a steal, while Nick Richards added nine points and 14 rebounds. The Hornets shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.

The Hornets (23-50) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Mavericks in Dallas on Friday. The Pelicans (35-37) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Saturday.