The New Orleans Pelicans (9-8) got themselves into a hole early on, but much like the Saints did on Sunday, they never gave on Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder (7-9) with a 114-107 win in the Smoothie King Center.
The Thunder came out of the gates extremely strong with a 25-6 run to get New Orleans behind the eight-ball. However, the Pelicans went on a 14-4 run in the final 3:30 to make it 33-24 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pelicans kept the end of quarter momentum rolling, taking the lead off of a three point play from Anthony Davis with 8:33 left in the first half. That lead quickly evaporated but they were able to keep the deficit within single digits as both teams headed into the locker room thanks to a strong second quarter from Anthony Davis with 14 points and four boards.
The second half saw the Pelicans continue to chip away at the Thunder’s lead; eventually getting the lead with 2:12 left thanks to a Jameer Nelson layup and took a one point lead into the fourth quarter.
The Thunder kept it within five points for much of the fourth quarter, but New Orleans was able to pull away in the final five minutes thanks to another strong finish from Anthony Davis with 14 points and six boards.
The Pelicans will host the San Antonio Spurs (11-6) on Wednesday with tipoff set for 7 pm.
-Clint Domingue