The Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to win a second consecutive game, falling to the New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 125-111.
Coming off defeating the Detroit Pistons in the front end of a back-to-back, the Cleveland Cavaliers took on the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans proved to be too much for the Cavs as they were unable to turn one win into a winning streak.
There was not one specific quarter which led to the loss. This is a bit different when compared to previous losses. The 3rd quarter has been where the Cavaliers typically fall apart. New Orleans outscored Cleveland by 3-6 points in the first three quarters, it was a consistent and gradual extension of the lead, not just one blowout quarter.
Collin Sexton and Kevin Porter Jr. lead Cavaliers offense
There were only two members of the Cleveland Cavaliers to eclipse points in the game, Collin Sexton and Kevin Porter Jr. Collin Sexton led the team in scoring with 24 points on 9-20 shooting (2-5 3PT) with 4 assists, 3 rebounds, two steals, and one block. That block was an epic moment for Collin Sexton. Of all the Pelicans that Collin Sexton could have blocked, he managed to block Zion Williamson.
This was perhaps the most surprising play of the game. Williamson having a dunk attempt thwarted by Collin Sexton was not expected by anyone. Tristan Thompson? Maybe. But Collin Sexton? Absolutely not.
Kevin Porter Jr. led the Cavs bench scoring effort with 21 points in 26 minutes. This was Porter’s second game since returning from his knee injury. Porter made half of his shots (8 of 16), five of which were three-pointers. Porter also had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in the contest.
A tribute from Larry Nance Jr.
When Larry Nance Jr. first arrived in Cleveland he donned the number 24 for a handful of games. That was before putting on his more familiar number 22 that his father also wore and has been retired by the Cavaliers. Nance started Tuesday’s game wearing the number 24 jersey.
Larry Nance Jr. was a teammate of Kobe Bryant for one season in Los Angeles. Like many NBA players, Nance wanted to pay tribute and honor Bryant’s legacy. Nance wore the number 24 in honor of his former Lakers teammate.
Larry Nance Jr. had quite a game for the Cavs, filling the stat sheet out quite nicely. Nance finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and two assists. Nance’s 17 points came on 6-10 shooting, 1-3 from deep, and making all four free throw attempts.
