Davis Carries Pelicans Past Hornets

The New Orleans Pelicans escaped Charlotte with a 125-122 overtime win against
the Hornets, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening. The Pelicans (26-40) nearly
let this one slip away, as they led by seven with 2:40 left in the fourth, but
allowed the Hornets (29-37) to come back and tie it up, thanks to a
three-pointer by Nicolas Batum with 49 seconds remaining. Luckily for New
Orleans, Anthony Davis was on fire and was able to carry his team through
overtime and to the win. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins did not play in the
overtime period, as a coach’s decision. Anthony Davis led the way for the
Pelicans with a monstrous line including 46 points, 21 rebounds, four assists
and one block, in 45 minutes. Five other players scored in double digits for the
Pelicans, including Jordan Crawford, who poured in 19 points on 7-of-12
shooting, in 27 minutes off the bench. Jrue Holiday was solid with 15 points and
13 assists, while Solomon Hill chipped in 16 points. DeMarcus Cousins was quiet
with only 11 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 25 minutes. The Pelicans
next contest is on Tuesday, when they play host to the Trail Blazers. Meanwhile,
Marvin Williams continued his strong play, as he led the Hornets with 27 points
and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes. Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum finished with 24
points each, while Jeremy Lamb added 14 off the bench. Marco Belinelli was the
only other player to score in double digits for Charlotte, as he chipped in 12
points, in 23 minutes off the bench. The Hornets will continue to battle to have
a shot at eighth in the East, as they go on to host the Bulls on Monday.