New Orleans Pelicans Edge Closer to Western Conference Playoffs

With just 23 games remaining in the season, the New Orleans Pelicans are making their move towards the eighth seed after a blowout win over the Cavaliers.

The New Orleans Pelicans were not trying to hear about a “trap” game. With Grambling State University’s marching band providing the music during time-outs (yes, that was “Neck” they played in the 4th) and putting on an electric halftime show,

the nearly full Blender showed their appreciation for the team from start to finish as the New Orleans Pelicans returned to the Smoothie King Center to begin a three game home stand on Friday evening against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pelicans pushed the pace early, scoring 43 points in the first, en route to a 116-104 victory over the Cavs. The win put Pelicans into 9th place in the West, where they now sit just two games behind the Memphis Grizzlies.

Once again, this was truly a team win as Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday all scored 20+ points, Lonzo Ball provided 12 of the team’s 36 assists and Derrick Favors grabbed 15 rebounds in the 116-104 win.

The night proved to be a historic one for Zion as he became the first teenager to score 20+ points in 10 straight games.

The near sell-out crowd made their voices heard from the opening tip, but none more than when Ball hustled back on defense, stripped Cedi Osman as he was driving to the basket and started the play that ended with an emphatic reverse dunk by Jaxson Hayes at the other end of the court.

It wasn’t all good news for the New Orleans Pelicans, though, as guard JJ Redick left the game in the 2nd Quarter with what was described as a hamstring strain. No word from the team’s PR account on if he’ll miss any time, but if Redick does miss a few games, someone will need to step up not only as a leader on the court, but one off as well with the young players.

The win on Friday night puts the Pelicans in a great position as they head into Sunday’s game with confidence and an opportunity to pull off what most in the Crescent City want to see: a win versus LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the LA Lakers.