:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49118841/usa-today-9195584.0.jpg)
This game had close to everything: an indifferent first-half defensive effort, another Anthony Davis' injury, a Kendrick Perkins ejection and an almost incredible comeback.
If the @PelicansNBA win tonight vs #Trailblazers, it will be the largest comeback of the season for #Nola, 3rd largest in franchise history!
— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) March 19, 2016
Despite posting just 3 turnovers, the Pelicans found themselves trailing by 14 points at halftime because they were out rebounded by a 27-11 margin and gave up a heck of a lot more three-point and around-the-rim attempts.
The third quarter opened with Ryan Anderson starting in place of Davis. Minutes later, we were informed Davis had suffered a left knee injury and was questionable to return. According to some, he had suffered the ailment after coming in contact with C.J. McCollum.
Looked like play that caused Anthony Davis to eventually exit with left knee injury was C.J. McCollum contacting AD when AD set pick late 2Q
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) March 19, 2016
With 1:54 remaining in the third quarter, the Pelicans trailed the Blazers by 16 points, but on the backs of Jrue Holiday and Anderson, New Orleans mounted a surprising charge. By the 3:15 mark of the 4th quarter, New Orleans had a 2-point lead at 105-103.
In between, Kendrick Perkins horse-collared Damian Lillard on a drive and was ejected with the score at 98-90. Instead of firing up Dame, the Pelicans were the ones who played inspired. Sadly, they couldn't pull out the win in the final minutes of the game.
Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday both finished with 30 points. Holiday was a perfect 4-4 from the three-point line and also added 6 assists and 2 steals. The Flamethrower chipped in 7 rebounds and 2 threes. Former Blazer Tim Frazier acquitted himself well with a line of 13 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
The combination of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum had 63 points, 7 threes, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
Stay tuned for Quentin's full recap coming up shortly. Gotta admit, watching a closely-contested and entertaining battle over 48 minutes sure beat another ride on the tank.
Best Shooting Guards of All Time