There were a lot of questions going into this game for the Pelicans as they recently found out that they will be without their star Anthony Davis for 1-2 weeks with a shoulder sprain.
Although the Pelicans were without star forward Anthony Davis, this game still had quite the battle of the bigs. For the Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas was able to help contribute on the offensive end, as well as shoulder the bulk of the rebounding for the Raptors. Valanciunas would end the game with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds.
For the Pelicans, it was a pair of centers that helped contribute to their victory. Starting center Omer Asik ended the game with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds to go along with two blocks. Backup center Alexis Ajinca also did his part to help contribute by scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds in 27 minutes of play.
As far as guard play, the Raptors were led by point guard Kyle Lowry who finished with 22 points and five assists. Starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan finished with 14 points.
For the Pelicans, Tyreke Evans got the start at the point guard and was able to finish with a double-double of 13 points and 12 assists. Eric Gordon ended the game with 11 points and eight rebounds. Newcomer Norris Cole logged 15 points and six assists in 25 minutes of play.
In the closing minute of play, it was a drive by Tyreke Evans who proceeded to dump the ball to Alexis Ajinca to put the Pelicans up, 98-97. On the defensive end, Omer Asik came up with a clutch block and rebound which led to a Toronto foul. After not playing the entire game, Jimmer Fredette sank both of his free throws to put the Pelicans up, 100-97. Kyle Lowry had a chance to tie the game up but missed his three-point attempt as time expired.
The Pelicans will continue to try to play strong until their star Anthony Davis returns to the hardwood. Their next game will be against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Raptors will look to rebound from this very close loss when they take on the Dallas Mavericks.