In their most exciting game of the year yet, the New Orleans Pelicans were able to pull out a huge victory over the East leading Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-108.
The first looked like the Pelicans were doomed from the start, as JR Smith came out and hit three straight threes as the Cavs opened up a 15-4 lead early. The Pelicans were able to come back and cut the deficit thanks in large part to their ability to get to the line, shooting a total of nine free throws in the quarter and only trailing by six after one.
Things got scarier in the second quarter, but not for reason of the score. The Pelicans were actually able to surge into the lead late in the quarter, but had to play without superstar Anthony Davis for a chunk of the quarter. Davis rolled his ankle on Cavaliers forward Kevin Love and had to be assessed in the locker room. Davis would eventually return, and the Pelicans went into halftime down just 53-52. Davis had 12 points and five rebounds at halftime and Ryan Anderson added ten points as well.
The Pelicans rode an Eric Gordon hot streak in the second half, trading leads with the Cavs throughout the quarter. Gordon went on fire, shooting 7-9 from the field and putting up 18 points as the Pelicans led 84-77. Davis and Anderson helped out with 20 and 16 points respectively.
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The fourth quarter got extremely interesting. With the Pelicans up 94-81, LeBron James decided to take over, storming the Cavaliers back into the lead late. After trading blows late, James had gotten the Cavaliers a three point lead, 105-102, with less than twenty seconds remaining. The next Pelicans possession, Jrue Holiday hit a tough step back jumper to tie the game and send it in to OT at 105 all.
The Overtime was all New Orleans Pelicans, holding Cleveland to just three points in the OT and winning by a final score of 114 to 108. Davis finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals to lead the Pelicans. LeBron James finished with 37 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists for the Cavaliers.
MVP: Anthony Davis
Davis was unbelievable yet again. He hit huge shots and made huge plays down the stretch, including a big steal that gave New Orleans the lead late in regulation. In overtime, he had six of the Pelicans nine points, carrying them down the stretch offensively. He ended with 31 points on 13-22 shooting from the floor and 2-4 from three, including a couple big ones in the fourth. This guy is always adding something to his game, which should be scary for the rest of the league.
LVP: Alonzo Gee
Each game that goes by, I wonder what Gee brings to the table for this team. His defense is extremely spotty and he was tasked with guarding LeBron tonight, which didn’t work out so well. He was a solid -13 in 12 minutes, providing no offensive spacing or creativity and not being to contribute on defense. When Quincy Pondexter comes back, Gee will probably be the next one out of the rotation.
X FACTOR: Eric Gordon
Gordon was and unsung hero of the game for New Orleans. He was the one that led the charge that put the Pelicans up in the third quarter. Afters struggling to shoot the ball well this season, it was nice to see him get back to the lights out shooting we saw with him last season. He finished 7-9 with 19 points while also shooting 4-5 from three. They need this type of production to be a more consistent thing from him.
TURNING POINT: AD’s Steal in Regulation
This was such a huge play. Davis cheated in the passing lane and chased the ball all the way down the court for a dunk that put the Pelicans up one with under a minute to go. When the Pelicans needed a bucket, they always seemed to go to Davis and he delivered.
DEFINING MOMENT: Jrue’s Three to Send it OT
This was by far the biggest shot of the game. The Pelicans were down three and Jrue hits an awesome step back jumper to send it to OT. Jrue looked great in the second unit and with limited minutes, even though he played in the whole OT. Having him fresh to make big plays at the end was smart minutes management by Coach Alvin Gentry.
That was… AWESOME!!!
Nobody believed that the Pelicans would be even close in this game, yet here they are pulling out a stunning victory in overtime. They played the best game that they’ve played all season, and there is no coincidence that it comes not long after they got a few more healthy players on the roster. Tyreke Evans didn’t have his best game, but he is at least an above average player to throw out on the floor. Omer Asik had by far his best game of the season as well as Eric Gordon. Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis made big plays late, and the Pelicans pulled out an incredible win.
Next: Nathan on the difference in the building when Reke plays
Hopefully this win can build some momentum moving forward, as the Pelicans are now set to host the Boston Celtics on Monday night.