New Orleans Pelicans Player Grades: Pelicans avoid massive blowup, hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers in OT 114-108
By Rick Stone
The New Orleans Pelicans let a fourth quarter 14 point lead falter and went to OT after LeBron James scored 23 points in the 4th. However, the resolve of the Pelicans held and they found a much needed victory at home 114-108.
After a magnificent first three quarters, the Pelicans stalled on offense and could not slow down The King. The Cavs turned what was a 14 point deficit into a three point lead with under 24 seconds left.
However, Jrue Holiday nailed a three-pointer and the Cavs failed to find a game-winner. In overtime, the Pelicans took the early momentum and held on as the Cavs only scored three points in the extra five minutes.
Anthony Davis once again led the charge with 31 points, 12 rebounds and four steals. Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson also had over 15 points in the victory. JR Smith, LeBron James and Kevin Love were the only Cavs in double-figures in points.
69. Final. 108. 156. 114
C+. <strong><a href=. PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. TYREKE EVANS
ERIC GORDON. B+. <strong><a href=. SG. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans. ALONZO GEE. B. <strong><a href=. SF
A. <b><a href=. PF. New Orleans Pelicans. ANTHONY DAVIS
C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK. C. <strong><a href=
<strong><a href=. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. JRUE HOLIDAY. A-
New Orleans Pelicans. NORRIS COLE. D+. <strong><a href=. PG
RYAN ANDERSON. A-. <strong><a href=. PF/SF. New Orleans Pelicans
A+. <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
<strong><a href=. SF/PF. New Orleans Pelicans. LUKE BABBITT. F
Other Observations:
- This game was nuts. After leading by 14, the Pelicans let LeBron James nearly destroy all hope of a win. However, the resolve has to be loved from this squad. They could have folded when the Cavs went up three late. They could have folded in OT. And yet, a win is a win. And boy was this a massive win for New Orleans going forward. The talk of this season being “lost” might halt with how much heart the Pelicans showed in as early a “must-win” game as possible in the NBA tonight.
- A big thing the Pelicans won the battle of tonight: Benches. The Pelicans finished with 41 bench points compared to the Cavs 22. A big factor in this game.
- The Pelicans won the battle in an area they haven’t won much of this season…rebounds. Winning the battle of the glass was big. In overtime, their effort on the boards showed even more.
- For how well the Cavs started on long balls, they ended painfully. After JR Smith started 5-7 from behind the arc, the Cavs went 5-26 the rest of the way, finishing as a team 10-33 from behind the arc. New Orleans forcing the Cavs into bad shots helped win this game.
Next: Pelicans Awards from massive win against Cavaliers
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to keep the charge going as they take on the Boston Celtics Monday at home. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.