5 Must Watch Games Of the 2015-16 Pelicans Season
By Mike Delayo
Dec 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after scoring on a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
December 4: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN)
The Eastern Conference as a whole still pales in comparison to the mighty West, but that does not mean the team at the top is unworthy.
The LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely find themselves at the top of their conference once more.
They may have lost the Finals to Golden State, but the fact that they forced a Game 6 despite missing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving speaks volumes. As long as James is in town, Cleveland will be a force to be reckoned with.
Beating up on other Western teams is important for the Pels, but picking up wins against the East is equally as important.
Dec 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (left) and forward Tyreke Evans (right) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, New Orleans went 1-1 against Cleveland and played well in both games.
They lost the first matchup 118-111 thanks to an 86 point explosion from Cleveland’s Big Three of James, Love and Irving.
The Pels managed to pick up the second game a month later 119-114. Thanks to a first quarter injury, Davis only played 7 minutes.
But a red hot Ryan Anderson was able to pick up the slack, drain eight three pointers on his way to 30 points, and lead his team to victory.
Both teams have grown a ton since they last faced off and they carry two of the NBA’s best players between them.
This ESPN primetime matchup has the potential to be one of the season’s best.
Next: Will this Game Mark the End of an Era?