New Orleans Pelicans burned by the Miami Heat

Former New Orleans' center Chris "Birdman" Andersen (11) positions himself for a rebound in Miami's 107-88 victory over the Pelicans. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The New Orleans Pelicans took it on the chin last night being burned by the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat 107-88 at the American Airlines Center despite a quality double-double by Anthony Davis, who scored 22 points with 12 rebounds seven on the offensive end. Davis also contributed three steals and two blocks. The Pelicans, 15-18, dropped their 14th game in 16 outings against a team with a winning record, concluding a four-game road swing going just 1-3. The Pelicans look to end their two-game losing streak tonight, hosting the 14-17 Washington Wizards at the Arena in a 7 o'clock tip off. The 27-8 Heat upped their home record to 16-3 winning their fifth straight contest over New Orleans. LeBron James poured in 32 points and Dwayne Wade finished with 22. Former New Orleans' center Chris "Birdman" Andersen netted 15 points with seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Pelicans got 15 points from Eric Gordon, while Pelicans' center Jason Smith returned to the lineup after missing four games and scored eight points with four rebounds. The Pels played without Ryan Anderson, who is out indefinitely with a herniated disk. Anderson was leading the Pelicans with a 19.8 point per game scoring average. Anderson was connecting on 40.9 percent of his three-point attempts and 95 percent from the free throw line.

Pelicans drop first preseason game to Heat

The New Orleans Pelicans unbeaten streak in the preseason was halted at six games last night in the Arena as the visiting Miami Heat took a 108-95 victory led by one-two duo LeBron James with 27 points and Dwayne Wade, who dropped in 25. Chris Bosh, the other member of the Heat,  big trio, finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
The 6-1 Pelicans placed five players in double figures led by Eric Gordon with 19 points,  hitting on 3-of-7 three-pointers, who was playing in his third consecutive game, but it wasn't enough. Anthony Davis chipped in with 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Anthony Morrow continued to put the ball in the hoop
with 16 points followed by Jrue Holiday with 12 points and six assists, while Ryan Anderson added 10 points. The Pelicans downfall was a sub-par fourth quarter in which they were outscored by the Heat, 31-13.
Heat center Greg Oden, who has was drafted as the first overall pick out of Ohio State in 2007, has battled numerous injuries and is attempting a comeback. His last game was  Dec. 2009, playing for the Portland Trailblazers. Oden played four minutes making his only shot and pulled down two rebounds for the 4-2 Heat.  
The Pels close out their successful preseason  tomorrow night in  Orlando, taking on the Magic.

Pelicans hosting Mimai Heat in Arena

 

                              Miami Heat's LeBron James. Photo courtesy of the Miami Heat.

The unbeaten 6-0 New Orleans Pelicans face a major challenge tonight as they host the
defending champion Miami Heat and King, LeBron James in the newly renovated arena. Tonight's
contest tips off at 7 o'clock and it is the Pelicans' first home game this preseason.
Miami enters tonight's tilt with a 4-2 mark. James is averaging 12.8 points per game in five contests, pulling down four rebounds with 4.4 assists.
The Pels' Anthony Davis has been consistent through out the team's six-game winning streak, averaging 22 points per game, playing just over 28 minutes per contest. Davis has averaged 6.3 rebounds per game with two blocks. Shooting guard Eric Gordon has played in two consecutive games, averaging 18.5 points per game, playing 22.5 minutes per outing. Ryan Anderson is third on the team, scoring 13.8 points per game. The Pelicans have gelled early on with their new-look roster as head coach Monty Williams has his team focused on playing tough defense.