Pelicans Fall At Home To Celtics

With a golden opportunity to capture the 8 spot in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans squandered too many opportunities Friday night, falling to the Boston Celtics 104-98.

Anthony Davis scored 29 points, pulled down 14 boards and blocked 3 shots, but was harassed by Celtic defenders all night, crowding him anytime he came near the paint. It was a credit to Davis for playing through it, finishing with another strong game.

However, it wasn't enough, as the Celtics jumped out to a big lead in the 4th quarter, leaning on the hot shooting of guard Isiah Thomas, who scored 27 points in 29 minutes off the bench.

LSU alum Brandon Bass added 17 for the Celtics, who made 10 three pointers.

Eric Gordon scored 20 for New Orleans, while Luke Babbitt added 12 off the pine.

Point guard Tyreke Evans scored 11, but struggled protecting the ball, turning it over 7 times.

"It was a tough one. We didn't play our basketball," said Evans after the loss. "Part of it was me turning the ball over, (not) making good decisions."

Boston scored 20 points off 18 New Orleans turnovers.

With the loss, the Pelicans fall to 33-29, one game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Things don't get easier for the Pels, who host the Memphis Grizzlies (44-17) on Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 7:00.