As Milwaukee Bucks F Ersan Ilyasova just missed a wide open 3 at the buzzer, the New Orleans Pelicans realized they dodged a bullet, escaping Tuesday night's contest with an 85-84 victory.

The victory pulls the Pelicans back into 8th place in the Western Conference, but star Anthony Davis wasn't in a celebratory mood after the final horn.

"They got an open shot for the game and it went in and out," said a deadpan Davis to Fox Sports reporter Jen Hale moments after the win. "That could've won the game."

While Ilyasova's look came from a defensive breakdown, the Pelicans overcame more than just the final shot.

After jumping to a 15-0 lead, but the Pelicans bench let the lead slip away. When the first quarter ended, New Orleans led 32-21. When the second quarter ended, Milwaukee led 44-42.

The 10 point 2nd quarter was the lowest of the season for New Orleans.

"It happens unfortunately," said coach Monty Williams of the 2nd quarter. "Fortunately it happened to us at home and we were able to regroup in front of our fans. You won't see us do that often."

The Pelicans outscored Milwaukee by 10 points in the third quarter, then shot a paltry 4-20 from the field in the 4th.

"We've got to learn how to put teams away. We had a great lead in the first quarter and the third quarter. We've got to make sure we extend leads instead of letting teams back in it."

The Bucks brought a physical style of play to the game, one that frustrated Davis and his teammates at times.

Omer Asik (pictured) was the biggest difference maker for New Orleans, going 6-8 from the field for 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Davis chipped in his 36th double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Quincy Pondexter finished with 18 points, including 5 three pointers.

"The thing I liked about it was that our guys felt bad about the execution down the stretch and about the way we won," said Williams. "I had to bring them back a little bit. This time of the year when you're playing playoff teams, it's going to be a fight."

A fight the Pelicans ultimately won, improving to 37-30 on the season. With 15 games remaining, New Orleans now embarks on a tough three game road wing.

First up, a Thursday night matchup in Phoenix versus the Suns, followed by a Friday night game with the Golden State Warriors, owners of the best record in the NBA. The road trip wraps on Sunday in Los Angeles in an afternoon game versus the playoff bound Clippers.

"We've got three tough teams, but we have to go into Phoenix with the mindset to win," Davis said. "We have to go out there with a will to win and a sense of urgency."

Tip-off Thursday in Phoenix is set for 7:00.

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