Balanced production leads Pelicans past Hornets on the road

Balanced production leads Pelicans past Hornets on the road image

For only the third time this season, New Orleans did not have a 20-point scorer in Thursday's (AEDT) visit to Charlotte, but a balanced offense spearheaded another January road victory.

VIDEO: Simmons' 76ers teammates try their hand at learning Aussie slang

Seven different Pelicans tallied at least eight points as Alvin Gentry extended his rotation for the first time recently, a pivotal factor in New Orleans improving to 8-3 this month.

It’s only just past the midway point of the regular season, yet New Orleans has already matched its number of road victories from a season ago. The Pelicans posted away win No. 13; they were 13-28 in 2016-17.

IT WAS OVER WHEN…

Nicolas Batum tossed up an airball on a right-wing desperation three-point attempt with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, giving New Orleans possession back with a five-point edge. Jrue Holiday scored six critical points down the stretch after the game was tied at 92.

Anthony Davis came up with a steal of a Kemba Walker pass that all but sealed the outcome with the Pelicans leading 100-96. Davis’ two free throws with 20 seconds remaining had doubled the visitors’ lead from two to four.