A defensive struggle and battle of “jumbo” lineups came down to the final minute Monday. Despite New Orleans holding a lead for the vast majority of the second half, Cleveland made enough plays in crunch time to prevail.
Cleveland has raised eyebrows and garnered positive attention all season for its success in relying on big lineups, but New Orleans countered with its own supersized alignment. For the first time in 2021-22, the Pelicans started a pair of centers, with Jaxson Hayes joining Jonas Valanciunas on the first-string frontline.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Trailing by two with 5.