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The 78th game of the regular season, the 40th different starting lineup and boom, another disgustingly sluggish start.
In the first 6:45 of the contest, the Pelicans amassed -- count them -- 8 turnovers. More than a turnover a minute! Additionally, when they did put up a shot, they couldn't find the mark, missing 4 of their first 5 attempts.
Yet despite all the mistakes, New Orleans never let Boston enjoy a double-digit lead throughout the first half. In fact, at the 5:47 mark of the second quarter, the Pelicans seized a 36-34 lead following a James Ennis three-pointer. However before Armageddon ensued, the Celtics found a spark and went on a 13-6 run right before halftime.
Out of the break, the Celtics raced out to a 16-point lead, scoring the first 8 of the second half. Yet, the Pelicans didn't wilt immediately to this very good Eastern Conference team, cutting the deficit all the way down to a mere 3 points. Boston regained control, widening the margin momentarily back to 14, but New Orleans went on another large run to trail 76-73 heading into the final frame. #RollerCoaster
It's a tie game. Could we be headed towards a gigantic ditch in the road? pic.twitter.com/LmC0YPNQ7S
— The Bird Writes (@thebirdwrites) April 7, 2016
For the most of the fourth quarter, it was a nail-biter. No, April Fool's was a week ago. With 6 minutes to play, the score was tied at 86. Then, James Ennis fouled out and the turnover problem re-appeared, but Boston failed to capitalize. With this jumper by Luke Babbitt, the game was tied at 93 with 2:39 left.
Babbitt jumps on his jump shot! Who knew? https://t.co/34do68l7Hm
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) April 7, 2016
That was as good as it was going to get, though, as the Celtics had the final say. They finished the game on an 11-4 run.
All Tim Frazier does is impress -- 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals -- however, let's hope his ankle is fine going forward. In the final minute of the game, he twisted it badly and had to leave the game despite trying to walk it off.
Toney Douglas gave it his all again and led the Pelicans in scoring with 19. Luke Babbitt added 16 and Jordan Hamilton, 14. If you couldn't guess, the bench for New Orleans really played well, scoring 51 points!
The Celtics were led by their fireball, Isaiah Thomas. He tallied 32 points, 8 assists and 3 triples.
Stay tuned for Zachary's full recap coming up a little later tonight.