Evans Guides Pelicans Out Of Their Funk Against Thunder

The New Orleans Pelicans broke their eight game losing streak and a ten game skid against the Thunder, and Tyreke Evans is to thank.

Evans, who didn't even expect to play, exploded for 41 points and came within an eyelash of a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists to lead the Pelicans to a 101-89 home victory. No defender could hold Evans as he drove to the bucket constantly, also converting 12 of his 16 attempts from the free throw line.

For a man who wasn't supposed to play, Evans could have surprised anybody, including color commentator and former Hornet David Wesley.

"I'm not a doctor, but he looks fine to me," Wesley said during the broadcast. If that's injured, then being healthy might be a problem.

Likely MVP Kevin Durant was held under his season average with 25 points on 9-23 shooting from the field, and the Pelicans forced 16 turnovers in the win. One game after letting one slip down the stretch to Houston, the Pelicans were able to hold on and break out of their funk.

Alexis Ajinca, Darius Miller and Luke Babbitt also recorded double-digit scoring nights at Smoothie King Arena, but the night belonged to Evans. The team registered 19 assists opposed to 10 turnovers, which is yet another encouraging sign to carry forward.

The Pelicans will finish out their season this Wednesday with a grudge match against the Houston Rockets in New Orleans, which will give them a chance to repay James Harden and crew for their brutal last-minute loss on Saturday.