Pelicans Hit 16 Threes, Beat Wizards

A franchise record 16 three pointers helped the New Orleans Pelicans edge past the Washington Wizards 107-105 on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center.

Tyreke Evans scored a game-high 27, hitting a career-high 5 three pointers on 6 attempts.

While the threes were falling, it was the Pelicans defense in the 4th quarter that propelled them to a 2 point win.

"We played great defensively towards the end of the game," said Pelicans star Anthony Davis. "We were just talking on defense."

Davis' defense altered two Wizards field goal attempts in the final minute of play, helping New Orleans hold on for the victory.

"We just played together," added Davis. "When we play like this we're a tough team to beat. We just moved the ball and were playing for each other."

Davis finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards, adding 2 assists and a steal for good measure.

Despite Ryan Anderson missing the game with flu-like symptoms, New Orleans' bench played well, outscoring the Wizards reserves 47-36. Jrue Holiday came off the pine to score 19, including an impressive 5 of 7 night from beyond the arc.

"If (three point looks) are available, we'll take them," said New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry. "If we have good ball movement, then the 3 is available to us. We drive and kick and get some space. When we get space, we create shots."

Gentry demanded better effort from his squad after a lackluster losing effort on Monday against the Celtics. Overall, he was played with his team, but pointed out there's still work to do.

"I thought we competed hard," Gentry explained. "(But) The one thing we have to do, we have to do a better job of containing the ball...we have to do a better job at that."

Both squads played primarily small lineups, with the Pelicans beating the Wizards in a lot of the hustle categories, out rebounding Washington 41-33, earning 13 second chance points, and forcing 9 steals.

The Pelicans (6-16) have a quick turnaround, facing the Bulls (12-8) in Chicago Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 7:00.