Cavs’ late surge is not enough

Pelicans control overtime for win

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS

Anthony Davis had 31 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, and the New Orleans Pelicans survived a stunning fourth-quarter surge by LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-108 in overtime on Friday night.

Davis scored six points in the extra period on three jumpers from beyond 12 feet to help the Pelicans (5-15) pull out a much-needed victory. Eric Gordon had 19 points and Ryan Anderson 18 for the Pelicans, who led by 13 with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Cavs stormed back to take a late lead, with James scoring 21 of Cleveland’s last 24 points in regulation.

Jrue Holiday’s 3 pulled New Orleans back into a tie at 105 with 8 seconds left before James, who finished with 37 points, missed a 19-footer that could have won it. James didn’t score in overtime, missing two shots.

After trailing most of the first two-plus quarters, New Orleans suddenly surged in front with 14-2 run ignited by Gordon, who hit a 21-foot jumper, a tough 7-foot fade in traffic and a 3 during the spurt.

New Orleans maintained its lead most of the fourth quarter and appeared in control when Dante Cunningham’s jumper made it 94-81 with 6:52 left. Instead, James led the Cavs right back into the game — and very nearly won it. The only other basket during James’ fourth-quarter surge was Matthew Dellavedova’s 3, set up by James on a crisp, cross-court pass.

James’ consecutive fast-break baskets — the second a reverse layup as he was fouled — cut the Pelicans’ lead to 98-97. Then James’ 17-foot step-back, followed by his driving layup around 7-footer Omer Asik, put Cleveland up by 3. But Davis’ steal and dunk minutes later cut Cleveland’s lead to a point, and after James’ free throws, Jrue Holiday hit his clutch 3 to force OT.

J.R. Smith scored 18 points for Cleveland.