Following an impressive clutch game victory against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans failed to extend their winning streak to three games tonight as the short-handed Pelicans fell short in overtime, 115-110. to the Orlando Magic.
Though New Orleans found themselves with a depleted roster tonight at home without Zion Williamson (thumb), Brandon Ingram (toe) and Lonzo Ball (right hip), the Pelicans were right in the thick of things late into the game, thanks a lot to second-year guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Alexander-Walker led the way for the Pelicans tonight with 31 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 4-of-7 from downtown, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Down the stretch in regulation as Orlando looked to pull away with the game, it was Alexander-Walker who hit back-to-back buckets, a floater and a 3-pointer to tie up the game with under a minute remaining to help force free basketball.
Nickeil's got the hot hand!
Back-to-back buckets from No. 6 and we're tied again pic.twitter.com/e3QStdNI4q
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 2, 2021
In overtime, it was Terrence Ross for Orlando that hit two shots with under two minutes to go to take the lead for good.
Replacing Williamson and Ingram in the starting lineup, newly acquired James Johnson provided 17 points while Josh Hart scored 14 points, grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists.
The Pelicans will look to rebound tomorrow night against the Atlanta Hawks.
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