The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 120-105, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.

The Nets got out to a good start, with a 10-point lead after one quarter. They turned it up a. notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 37-19, in the quarter, to push their lead to 28 points, by halftime. The Pelicans came out stronger in the third and managed to cut the deficit by 10, making it an 18-point game, heading into the final frame. The Nets did not lose focus in the fourth and held on to close out the home win. Kevin Durant (knee) was forced to leave the game after just 12 minutes of action, and he did not return.

James Harden led the Nets with 27 points, eight rebounds, 15 assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Patty Mills followed up with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Cam Thomas totaled 20 points, six rebounds and a steal. The Nets shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-27 from deep.

Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 13 points each. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.

The Pelicans (16-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday. The Nets (27-15) take on the Cavs on Monday.