It was far from pretty, but the New Orleans Pelicans (25-21) got a much-needed win over the Chicago Bulls (18-29) on Monday night thanks to a historic performance from one Boogie Cousins en route to a big double-overtime win at home.
The Pelicans headed into the break with a 54-48 lead, but it didn’t last long with the Bulls going on a 9-2 run early in the third to take the lead. It was back and forth for much of the third with Chicago holding onto an 82-81 lead headed into the fourth quarter.
It seemed to be all Bulls in the fourth quarter as they came out the gates firing and got out to as much as a 17 point lead with 5:06 left. However, New Orleans roared back in a big way with a 19-2 run in the final five minutes of regulation to get out in front with 22.1 seconds. However, Justin Holiday was fouled as time expired from the three-point line and made two out of the three shots from the charity stripe to force overtime.
It was a back and forth for much of the first overtime period and a late free throw from Markkanen forced a second overtime period that saw Cousins put up seven points and help the Pelicans come away with a 132-128 win.
The Pelicans will return to action on Wednesday when they take on the Charlotte Hornets (18-26) on the road with tipoff set for 6 pm.
-Clint Domingue