Pelicans Beat Up Hornets 100-91

Anthony Davis (pictured above) and the New Orleans Pelicans topped the Charlotte Hornets 100-91 Tuesday night, getting double-doubles from 3 different players, starting with Davis.

Davis finished with 24 points on 10-17 from the field, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and a steal. Despite the impressive stat line, Anthony got of to a slow start offensively, scoring 6 points in the first half. With the help of his teammates, the 21-year old phenom was able to find his rhythm.

"In the first half I kind of struggled, but my teammates told me to keep shooting the ball," said Davis. "I got wonderful teammates who believe in me...I just made sure to keep shooting it and it would fall in...it's a testament to them (teammates) and it wouldn't have been possible if they weren't aggressive."

Tyreke Evans continued his aggressive offense, hitting jump shots off the dribble, while penetrating the paint with a physical tenacity that earned him a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) for the second time in 4 games.

Starting point guard Jrue Holiday chipped in 16 points, 9 assists, and 0 turnovers. A steady player with a calming influence, the cool Holiday is beginning to establish an undeniable chemistry with Davis.

Omer Asik (10 points, 11 rebounds) earned a double-double as well, while Ryan Anderson (16 points, 3 rebounds) and Austin Rivers (12 points, 5 rebounds) helped pace the New Orleans bench.

In only 4 games this season, the Pelicans have played their best basketball in the third quarter. Tuesday night, New Orleans outscored Charlotte 26-17, with Evans and Davis leading the way.

"Last year we came out slow as a third quarter team," said Davis. "We've got to get off to fast starts (in the third quarter). That's an emphasis now."

One negative trend through 4 games is the continued slump of Pelicans starting shooting guard Eric Gordon, who finished Tuesday's win with 4 points on 0-6 shooting from the field, 2 assists and 2 turnovers in 28 minutes of play. It marks the second time this season Gordon has been held to 0 field goals.

On a positive note, the Pels were a perfect 19-19 from the free throw line.

With the victory, the Pelicans improve to 2-2 on the young season. Next up, a home matchup with the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs this Saturday.

"We got swept by them last year," noted Davis. "We've got to play with energy and effort and try to outrun them. We're very young, so we have to use that to our advantage."

Tip-off from the Smoothie King Center is set for 7:00.