Pelicans (32-43), Mavericks (31-43)
A return to action Wednesday by DeMarcus Cousins not only produced a stellar all-around night for the three-time All-Star, but also resulted in one of the best combined efforts so far by Cousins, frontcourt sidekick Anthony Davis and guard Jrue Holiday. That trio piled up 77 points, led by 30 from Davis and 29 more by Cousins, to hold off hot-shooting Dallas in the Smoothie King Center.
In a matchup of teams desperate to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff chase, New Orleans inched ahead of Dallas in the standings, despite the Mavericks connecting on 14 of 27 three-point attempts.