Pelicans Take Down Grizzlies 106-95

The New Orleans Pelicans improved to 5-0 in Friday night home games this season, topping the Memphis Grizzlies 106-95.

Pelicans guard/forward Tyreke Evans finished off the Grizzlies late with an "And 1" layup on a reverse layup. He finished with double-double of 21 points and 10  boards, coming off the bench to get the job done.

Evans talked to head coach Monty Williams about team synergy since starting guard Eric Gordon returned from injury earlier this week. After the discussion, Evans offered to come off the bench, knowing it would be best for the team.

"Coach said he thinks that I'm better coming off of the bench because of what I can do with the ball," Evans said after the win. "If that's going to make us balance out better, I'm going to do it. I'm a team-first type of guy, so I just want us to win."

New Orleans earned their 5th win versus a Southwest divisional foe this season, already surpassing last year's total (4) in the league's toughest division.

Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday was sensational, leading all scorers with 23 while dropping 8 boards.

Anthony Davis was one board shy of a double-double, chipping in 20 points, 9 boards and 3 blocks. Ryan Anderson came off the bench to drop 20 points as well.

With Evans on the bench, Dante Cunningham earned the start. While his shot wasn't falling (0-5 from the field), he made his impact on defense (3 blocks) and the glass (7 rebounds).

"We know what Dante can do. Dante's a great player. He can defend. He can shoot. He hustles. He can guard most positions," Davis said of his teammate. "It gives Tyreke more freedom in that second lineup to be able to do what he does."

The Pelicans won't return to the Smoothie King Center for a home game until January 21rst as they embark on a 5 game East coast road swing. First up, the Boston Celtics Monday night. Tip-off is set for 6:30.