The New Orleans Pelicans could not overcome the injury to Anthony Davis in third quarter, falling short to the Pacers in a close battle to the finish.
Losses like this one will sting for the New Orleans Pelicans
After climbing back from a deficit that peaked at 16, the Pelicans fell oh so short to the Pacers in Indiana.
After giving up 32 first-quarter points, the Pelicans used a 34-22 second quarter to cut the deficit to two at halftime.
In the third quarter, however, the worst case scenario happened. Anthony Davis went up for a dunk attempt over Myles Turner. When he came down, he landed straight on his back, injuring his right hip and left thumb. He would not return.
Indiana then went on an 8-0 run to push the lead back to 10. The Pelicans could have collapsed under that pressure.
They did not, eventually tying the game in the fourth quarter. However, they did not have enough defense and offensive answers to take the lead and missed a final shot to tie the game at the final buzzer.
Davis finished with 16 points before his exit. Terrence Jones and E’Twaun Moore led the offensive charge without AD, with 15 points each.
Other Observations:
- The defense ended up being the Pelicans’ Achilles’ Heel. Even with Davis in the game, New Orleans could not get enough stops. The Pacers shot 50.6% in the game, showing just how slow their pace is in general. In a game so close, every stop matters.
- The Pelicans finished their five-game road trip with a record of 2-3. It is not great, since they still find themselves a few games out of a playoff spot, but it leaves them some hope going forward.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans Player of the Week: The Inconsistent Jrue Holiday
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to get back on the winning track at home Wednesday night. They will take on another Eastern Conference foe in the Orlando Magic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.