Cavaliers (36-14), Pelicans (18-32)
CLEVELAND – In a game vaguely reminiscent of New Orleans’ trip to San Antonio three days earlier, the Pelicans were locked in a closely-contested game Saturday for three quarters against one of the NBA’s premier teams, but didn’t have enough in the final period to post an upset road win. Cleveland led just 74-70 entering the final 12 minutes, before the Cavaliers gradually took control, handing the Pelicans their fourth straight defeat. The hosts won the final stanza by a 25-14 count. New Orleans has three games remaining prior to the All-Star break, starting Monday at Minnesota.