The New Orleans Pelicans caught fire without Anthony Davis and outlasted the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers at home for a massive win.
After a devastating loss to the Brooklyn Nets and the news Anthony Davis was out versus the game tonight, not many expected much from the New Orleans Pelicans. Especially against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers at full strength.
Nothing says a fun home game like shocking the NBA.
New Orleans put on an offensive explosion, scoring a season high 124 points in a two-point win. The Pelicans started the game without missing a shot for just over five minutes and scored 18 points. New Orleans continued the pressure, taking a 20-point lead into halftime.
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The second half became a test of survival, as the Cavs’ offense finally found their rhythm. Even with 72 second-half points, Cleveland could not come back from the deficit.
The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis’ replacement in Terrence Jones and Jrue Holiday. Jones put up 36 points on 13-18 shooting, to go along with 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Terrence did everything from becoming an offensive force, to shutting down LeBron James on a dunk attempt.
Jrue Holiday finally snapped out of his struggle streak, putting up 33 points on 12-19 shooting. He also dished out 10 assists, grabbed six rebounds, swipping three steals and blocking two shots.
LeBron finished with just 26 points on 21 shots, while Kevin Love went for 22 points and 16 rebounds. The biggest problem for the Pels was Kyrie Irving, who scored 49 points on 28 shots.
Still, the great effort on every single possession and fight all game helped earn New Orleans the best win of the season. It might not erase the embarrassment of losing to the Nets, but it certainly helps mend the wounds.
Other Observations:
- The New Orleans Pelicans became a wrecking force at the rim tonight, as the team combined for 11 blocks on the Cavaliers. It’s a stat that goes underrated with New Orleans, who is second in the league in blocks per game, only behind the Golden State Warriors.
- The Pelicans’ aggression became a huge force tonight. New Orleans went to the line for 30 attempted free-throws. Even though their 73.3% needs to improve, their willingness to attack the Cavs inside led to plenty of easy points.
- This was a statement win for the Pelicans. In a game no one gave them a chance in without their best player, New Orleans came out firing and ready to give it their all. After a devastating loss to the Nets, plenty had given up hope on the team. Now, there may be reason to find hope. Even so, consistency is now the goal for the Pelicans, who are in range of the eighth seed in the West. It’s not about an occasional solid win. This second-half stretch of the season needs to be about developing win streaks and nightly effort, in preparation for what could be in April.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans Player of the Week: Donatas Motiejunas
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to build on this victory Wednesday night, as they stay home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.