With 6:00 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans held a 101-92 advantage. The Knicks were within striking distance, yet a loss didn’t seem likely — despite the lack of a significant lead. Both teams were struggling immensely to score in the final frame, but at least New Orleans was able to put up some points on the board.
Then, however, whatever little momentum the Pelicans had garnered, suddenly vanished. New York went on a distinct 16-2 run, and with 34 seconds left to go, the Knicks had a 108-103 edge. Not even Anthony Davis re-entering the game in the midst of the unsightly collapse — after being labeled questionable to return due to a right hip/quad injury — could stem the disappointment.