Pelicans (25-38), Lakers (19-44)
LOS ANGELES – Very little has come easily for New Orleans on the road this season. Sunday was another excellent illustration. After building a seemingly comfortable double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans had to hold on late, relying on clutch plays in the final two minutes from Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday to withstand a charge by the Lakers.
New Orleans went up by 14 in the fourth period, but Los Angeles roared back with a 14-0 run. From there, the Pelicans closed the Western Conference matchup with eight unanswered points to account for the final margin.