In the 2014-15 season, Anthony Davis was named an All-Star starter with a first-team defense and was recognized as the first man of the future. Durant was sidelined due to injury, and Russell Westbrook gradually showed the style of Mr. Triple-Double in the second half of the season, leading the team to bounce back. Before the final round of the regular season, the two teams were tied at 44-37, but the Pelicans held the head-to-head record. If both teams win, the Pelicans will move up to 8th place, if they lose, they will still be 8th, and if they win and lose, the winner will advance. It seems that the Pelicans are more likely to finish at No. 8, however...
The Thunder faced the weaker Timberwolves in the final round, while the Pelicans' opponent was the powerful Spurs!
The Thunder took the lead, and Westbrook easily cut down 37 8 7 to lead the team to a 138-113 victory over the Timberwolves. Next, the main event is played - the Spurs vs. Pelicans matchup. In the first quarter, the Pelicans showed amazing momentum, Davis scored 10 points, Evans, the best rookie of '09, contributed 9 points, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, and the Pelicans led by 15 points at 34-19, a dream start! In the third quarter, the Spurs gradually closed the gap, and the Pelicans were still able to stabilize their position, and in the final quarter, the Spurs broke out off the bench, Patty Mills and Dior combined to score 18 points, relying only on Anthony Davis. The game went into the final minute.
Anthony Davis missed a shot, but blocked Leonard's small throw on the defensive end, yes! Kazige was capped! Leonard quickly grabbed the ball back, passed to Duncan for a foul, and made both free throws, 96-101, and the Spurs trailed by five points. Roundface Deng forced a breakaway, drew a foul on Parker, and hit both free throws, 103-96. Subsequently, Anthony Davis blocked Dior. The two sides once again engaged in fierce competition, and in the last 16 seconds, the Italian cannon Belinelli made a sneak attack to cut off the round face, and Mills hit a shot from outside the three-point line, 101-104! The Spurs only trailed by 3 points!
In the whole game, Anthony Davis scored 31 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks, Evans contributed 19 points, 11 assists and 3 steals, Roundface Deng scored 14 points, Holiday scored 11 points, and the Pelicans' luxury outside lineup finally shined! For the Spurs, Parker scored 23 points and 6 assists, Duncan contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, Leonard scored 14 points and 10 rebounds, Dio contributed 20 5 5, and Mills contributed 15 points. If the Pelicans lose, the Thunder will break into the playoffs, and after Durant's return, the Warriors may face a huge challenge, and may even stage a black eight miracle!