New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 141–118 on December 23 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way at 27 points and Spencer Merrill adding 22 in a decisive performance. Cleveland's offense operated at a 129.5 rating, shooting 53.3 percent from the field and draining 20 three-pointers while forcing 16 New Orleans turnovers against just 13 of their own. The Cavaliers' third quarter proved decisive, outscoring the Pelicans 41–31 to pull away from a competitive second half. New Orleans, led by Zion Williamson's 26 points and Dyson Queen's 21, couldn't overcome a 53.3–45.7 shooting deficit and managed only 11 three-pointers on 26 assists. Cleveland's defense clamped down with a 109.3 rating while the Pelicans' defense surrendered 129.5 points per 100 possessions, well above the Vegas total of 248.5. The loss leaves New Orleans searching for consistency as Cleveland continues its strong form in the Eastern Conference.
