Pelicans Hold Off Mavs 101-97 Behind Fears’ 16 Points

A Steady Lead Holds Firm

The New Orleans Pelicans secured a narrow road victory against the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with a 101-97 scoreline at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday. Jeremiah Fears led the way for New Orleans, contributing 16 points alongside five assists. For the home team, Tobi Lawal topped the scoring charts with 16 points, while Sergio de Larrea facilitated the offense with six assists and P.J.

Washington controlled the glass with seven rebounds.

First Half Dominance

New Orleans established control early, jumping out to a 24-18 advantage after the first quarter. The Pelicans extended their lead in the second period, outscoring Dallas 32-27 to take a 56-45 lead into halftime. Fears was instrumental in building this cushion, utilizing his playmaking and scoring ability to keep the Mavericks at bay during the opening half.

The Pelicans’ balanced attack allowed them to maintain momentum despite Dallas’s efforts to chip away at the deficit.

Fourth Quarter Surge Falls Short

Dallas attempted a dramatic comeback in the final period, outscoring New Orleans 34-26 in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks chipped away at the lead, narrowing the gap significantly as the game progressed. However, the Pelicans’ earlier buffer proved sufficient.

Key free throws and timely baskets from New Orleans prevented Dallas from completing the rally. Fears continued to impact the game on both ends, ensuring his team maintained its structural advantage when it mattered most.

Final Records

With this result, the New Orleans Pelicans improved their record to 2-1. The Dallas Mavericks dropped to 1-2 on the season. The contest drew an attendance of 17,140 spectators to the Dallas venue.

Sources

ESPN