This shouldn’t have been a competitive game that required a win in clutch time.
The Cavaliers have been one of the worst teams since February 1 and they tipped off without three key starters in Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen.
Yet, the Pelicans found themselves trailing 39-29 at the conclusion of the first quarter.
They sat on the wrong end of a 68-62 halftime score despite a Jaxson Hayes’ heave finding the bottom of the net.
And apparently wanting to keep the theme consistent, the Pelicans were down 94-90 to begin the final frame.