In a game that saw a 21-4 run late in the fourth quarter and two overtimes, New Orleans came away from last night victorious as they managed to defeat the feisty Chicago Bulls 132-128. With this, the Pelicans move to 25-21 on the season as well as holders of the number six seed in the Western Conference. Though the win alone should bring a great feeling to both Pelicans players and fans alike, it’s the way in which they attained said victory that matters most!
When the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Chicago Bulls 132-128 in double overtime last night, something special happened. Something BIG! No, it was not Anthony Davis’ 34 point, nine rebound, five assists performance. No, it was not DeMarcus Cousins’ historic stat-line of 44 points, 24 boards and 10 assists. While it somewhat has to do with these aforementioned accomplishments, the biggest takeaway from last nights contest has to be the win itself, most notably how they attained said victory!
Coming into the fourth quarter, the Pelicans and Bulls were all tied up at a score of 81-81. Throughout the final 12 minutes of regulation, momentum started to shift towards Chicago. With around five minutes to play, the Bulls saw their lead grow to as high as 17 points. Just like that, Pelicans fans thought this was going to finish with an ending we’ve seen far too often this season; an upset loss to a team they should, in theory, beat with ease. And then, in the nick of time, the Pelicans woke up.
From offense to defense the Pelicans seemed almost incapable of doing wrong. In the final four minutes of regulation, New Orleans went on a 22-4 run to force overtime. In the extra-inning, the Pelicans again found themselves down early. However, just like they did at the end of regulation, they found a way to tie up the game, thus forcing a second overtime where they would end up winning the hard fought contest. While the win itself is reason to spark joy amongst the Pelican faithful, again, it is the way in which they won that really matters.
Like previously alluded to, too many times this season we’ve seen disappointing losses to teams the Pelicans should beat, with a most recent example coming last Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Time and time again we’ve seen New Orleans fall apart late in games despite, at times, holding double-digit leads. And just when we thought the Pelicans were going to take their usual path to end the game, they ventured down the road less traveled.
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With 138 minutes played combined by the teams big-three, one, like myself, may have assumed the players would have shown their fatigue through their play in the overtimes, especially considering how hard they fought late in the fourth to come back from a 17 point deficit. With this, a reason for an upset loss had been conjured. If not this, maybe it would have been Anthony Davis’ ejection in the first overtime. No AD very well could have spelled “no win” for NOLA. Instead, no AD ended up meaning no problem!
Through grit, grind, and the odds not being on their side New Orleans fought until the clock hit zero to come away with the victory. With this, one has to realize that this is not just another win for the Pelicans. It was a statement, showing teams they can never count out New Orleans. It was a test of their strength, tenacity and their will to win. In the end, NOLA passed with flying colors.
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Now the team moves up to four games over .500 (25-21 record) and hold the number six seed out West. Tomorrow, the Pelicans will be squaring off against the lowly Hornets in Charlotte where they will look to win their third straight. With momentum residing on their side after such an impressive victory, a 26-21 record by Thursday morning seems highly likely. Pelicans players should be very pleased about last nights win, and so should their fans!