Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111–106 on March 21 at Smoothie King Center in a defensive struggle that fell short of the 237.5-point Vegas total. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 27 points, while James Harden contributed 20 points in a balanced offensive attack. The Cavaliers shot 47.7 percent from the field and made 12 three-pointers, controlling the glass with 55 rebounds to New Orleans' 40. Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 25 points, and Shea Bey added 19, but New Orleans managed just a 43.3 field-goal percentage and committed only nine turnovers compared to Cleveland's 13. The fourth quarter proved decisive: Cleveland outscored New Orleans 35–18 in the final frame, a 17-point swing that sealed the result after the teams traded baskets through three quarters. Cleveland's defensive rating of 108.4 held the Pelicans to inefficient scoring, while the Cavaliers' 114.8 offensive rating powered their comeback. The victory strengthens Cleveland's playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
