One of the big issues for the New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) in their first couple of games in the 2017-18 season was the distribution of points. You saw Anthony Davis and Boogie Cousins put up more than half of the points and players like Jrue Holiday unable to find a rhythm.
That changed on Saturday with four of the Pelicans starting five putting up over 20 points in a decisive 123-101 over the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3) inside the Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans came out of the gates strong, getting out to a 13 point thanks to some solid shooting from three point range. Another big factor for the offensive output was because of five Cavs turnovers turning into 12 points for the Pelicans.
Cleveland tried to rally back early in the second quarter, cutting the deficit down to five points. However, the Pelicans stuck to the gameplan late and headed into the locker room with a 65-52 lead over the Cavaliers.
LeBron James got his team back into it early in the second half with a 22-7 run to take a 73-72 lead with 5:51 left in the third quarter. The Pelicans made sure the lead didn’t last long with some solid shooting late to take back the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The foot stayed on the gas late with some solid shooting from beyond the arc by Anthony Davis helped seal a huge win for the Pelicans in front of a sellout crowd.
The Pelicans will continue their three-game homestand against the Orlando Magic (4-1) with tipoff set for 7 pm.
-Clint Domingue