Video: Pelicans' Anthony Davis hits buzzer-beating three to top Thunder
Anthony Davis hit a double-clutch, buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer to lift the Pelicans to a dramatic 116-113 road victory over the Thunder on Friday.
In a season full of remarkable moments for New Orleans' All-Star power forward, this one rockets to the top of the list.
With 1.2 seconds left and the score tied, Tyreke Evans inbounded the ball from the left sideline. Davis initially set a screen on Kevin Durant and then popped back toward Evans, catching the pass at the top of the key. As Durant flew by to contest the shot, Davis leaned to his left, double-clutched and then uncorked a deep three-pointer over Andre Roberson. Despite the presence of two defenders, Davis was able to release the shot before the buzzer sounded, and his triple swished through.
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The officials reviewed the shot and determined that it was released in time, giving the Pelicans the three-point victory.
Davis's heroics helped cover up for a gaffe on New Orleans' final defensive possession, as Quincy Pondexter fouled Russell Westbrook on a three-point attempt. Westbrook hit all three of his free throws to erase a three-point deficit and tie the game.
The shot carried more meaning than the average game-winner because New Orleans and Oklahoma City are both making a push for the West's final playoff spot. New Orleans moved two games ahead of Oklahoma City in the standings thanks to the win. Remarkably, the shot was just the third three-pointer of Davis's three-year career out of 24 attempts.
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Davis finished with a team-high 41 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Evans posted a triple double with 22 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds.
Westbrook tallied a career-high 48 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Durant added 27 points, five rebounds and four assists.
New Orleans improved to 27-23. Oklahoma City fell to 25-25.
