NEW ORLEANS ? Finally, after six straight defeats to start the 2015-16 season, the New Orleans are on the win column after beating the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 120-105, on Tuesday night a the Smoothie King Arena.
Anthony Davis helped he Pelicans to an 18-point halftime lead before leaving the game with a hip contusion. According to reports, x-rays were negative on Davis, who scored 17 points to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.
The Pelicans, who improved to 1-6, fought hard and had six players score in double figures.
The victory marked the first for New Orleans’ rookie head coach Alvin Gentry, who served as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors last season. ?We started the game right away? We did a good job from start to finish,? an obviously relieved Gentry told reporters at his post-game press conference.
?It feels great. It feels good when we execute the game plan and played good defense tonight? said Ryan Anderson who led the game with 25 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans.
Eric Gordon, Toney Douglas, and Ish Smith tallied 17 a-piece for the Pelicans. Jrue Holiday added 10.
Dirk Nowitzki, a 13-time All-Star, led the Mavericks with 18 points. Charlie Villanueva scored 15 and Zaza Pachulia added 12.
Photo: Anthony Davis’s 17 points was just enough to help New Orleans annex its first win of the season.
