The New Orleans Pelicans (13-26) defeated the Charlotte Hornets (18-21) 109-107 on Friday night at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
This was a close game the whole way that went back and forth with 14 lead changes. After Kemba Walker tied it up at 107 with 2.0 seconds left, the Pelicans called time out to set themselves up with a side inbound. Jrue Holiday was the inbounder and threw a perfect pass to Anthony Davis who converted the play and sealed the win for the Pelicans. The Pelicans snapped a three-game home losing streak and gave Charlotte its ninth straight road loss.
New Orleans has now won both its games since Anthony Davis returned to the lineup on Wednesday. Davis contributed a solid 22 points (8-14 FG, 6-7 FT), five rebounds, four assits, two blocked shots and one steal. Ryan Anderson was the hero though, as he finished with a game-high 32 points, (12-19 FG, 6-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and eight rebounds, in 28 minutes off the bench. Jrue Holiday chipped in 13 points (6-14 FG), 10 assists and six rebounds, in 27 minutes off the bench. Tyreke Evans was back in the lineup after missing games with a sore knee. He finished with 12 points and seven assists, in 26 minutes.
The Hornets are now 4-14 on the road as their struggles continue. Kemba Walker did everything he could in this one, finishing with 25 points (9-17 FG, 5-7 3Pt), four assists and four rebounds, in 41 minutes. Nicolas Batum also poured in 25 (11-22 FG, 2-9 3Pt), along with eight assists and four rebounds, in 40 minutes. Frank Kaminsky had a good game with 18 points (7-9 FG, 2-2 3Pt) and six rebounds, in 24 minutes off the bench.
Charlotte has time to turn things around as their strong start to the season gave them a bit of a cushion; they are only 2.5 games out of eighth in the East. Next the Hornets host the Bucks on Saturday, which will be the second of a back to back for both teams.
The Pelicans will visit Memphis to play the Grizzlies on Monday.
