Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis Energize Pelicans, Defeat Spurs 97-90

The New Orleans Pelicans seemingly lacked energy in their effort during the loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Tonight however, the script was flipped.

On Friday, the Pelicans’ fans had their Christmas wishes answered with an electric win over the division rival Spurs. New Orleans hosted San Antonio, who came into the Smoothie King Center after a Christmas Day loss to the once again Kevin Durant-less Oklahoma City Thunder.

All night the team was playing with a feistiness that, at this point in the season, had been reserved for short bursts in crunch time situations.

Ryan Anderson led the flock in this regard. He scored 22 points, made his presence felt all over the court. Whether it was spotting up from three, banging for position down low, or arguing the team’s case to the referees, Anderson provided the energy the Pelican’s need from him off the bench. Anderson has found success producing this season even while struggling from deep, an accomplishment that should not be overlooked.

Dec 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) dunks the ball in front of San Antonio Spurs forward

(21) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans defeated San Antonio 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The first quarter featured both teams attacking the paint. All 20 of the Pelicans’ points came from either right near the rim or from the free throw line.

New Orleans’ defense seemed to consist of five jumping beans, giving the Spurs clear paths to the basket off of simple pump fakes. Tim Duncan (20 points, 11 rebounds) knows how to get points on the board, but the likes of Cory Joseph (8-9 shooting for 20 points) and Aron Baynes cannot be cut any slack.

The efficiency of Joseph tonight made it hard to notice the absence of Tony Parker, who was out with a nagging hamstring injury.

The difference in the at the half came from the free throw line, where the Pelicans sunk 12-14 attempts to the Spurs’ 4-4. It is safe to say the absence of Kawhi Leonard assisted New Orleans’ effort to penetrate the perimeter, and it was good to see the team exploit that weakness by getting to the line and converting. New Orleans ended up winning the free throw battle 24-14.

The ability to defend without fouling AND draw fouls of your own is a trait found with most competitive teams. A consistent effort in this department is important to the team’s development.

Jrue Holiday (15 points), Tyreke Evans (11 points) and Austin Rivers (12 points) were all relentless in getting to the rim tonight. Although it would have been nice to see more of these chances converted, their force helped set the tone that Monty Williams was obviously trying to instill.

Dec 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams yells in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans defeated San Antonio 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) goes up for a basket between San Antonio Spurs forward

(33) and forward Tim Duncan (21) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans defeated San Antonio 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The energy reached its peak during a run late in the third quarter that started when Davis swatted a Manu Ginobli shot attempt. The Pelicans gained possession, and Anderson buried a three pointer right on cue. On the Spurs next possession, Davis stuffed Tim Duncan and forced a jump ball before promptly letting out a roar. This play (and reaction) ignited the Pels on the court, on the bench, and all of the fans for the rest of the game.

The score stayed relatively close for the entire game before the Pels inflated their lead to 88-76 after a John Salmons triple. The Spurs battled though, with Boris Diaw and Marco Belinelli draining tough shots down the final stretch. The Pelicans refused to let their lead slip away though, as turnovers forced by Davis and Austin Rivers led to easy opportunities for everyone down the court.

New Orleans shot 41.7% from the field tonight to the Spurs’ 49%. Just like Tuesday, the shots were just not falling. However, the eruption of energy from the Pelicans that is documented in their victories in offensive rebounds (7-1), turnovers (8-17) and free throws proved to make the difference against the reigning NBA champions.

The Pelicans, now only 2 games behind the Spurs, take on the Bulls tomorrow night and look to continue to end 2014 on a positive note.