Game ID: 22501025
Cleveland Cavaliers @ New Orleans Pelicans
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
NOP 28 28 32 18 106CLE 34 19 23 35 111
CLE @ NOP ScoutingCLE @ NOP Scouting
Welcome to the scouting desk. The coffee is cold, the film is play-by-play, and somebody has to explain what happened.
Every game has a hinge — a stretch where it was decided, usually while everyone was watching something else. Start where the evidence lives: the Lineups' face-offs say which five actually won their minutes; the Possessions ledger says who ran ahead of the night's own pace; the Shot Chart says where the points really came from, which is rarely where the highlights were. When all three agree, that is the story. When they don't — that is why this desk has a chair.
NOP availability going into 3/13 · 1 day's restOUT Poole missed 6 since 3/01, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 11 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 27 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/08 after 2, 16 min since (98% of 17)
BACK Hawkins back 3/08 after 3, 3 min since (21% of 14)
NOP availability going into 3/16 · 2 days' restOUT Poole missed 7 since 3/01, returns tonight: 18 min (76% of 24)
OUT McGowens missed 2 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 12 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 28 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/08 after 2, 16 min since (98% of 17)
BACK Hawkins back 3/08 after 3, 3 min since (21% of 14)
NOP availability going into 3/18 · 1 day's restOUT McGowens missed 3 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Jordan missed 2 since 3/13, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 13 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 29 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Poole back 3/16 after 7, 18 min since (76% of 24)
BACK Hawkins back 3/08 after 3, 2 min since (18% of 14)
NOP availability going into 3/19 · back-to-backOUT McGowens missed 4 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Jordan missed 3 since 3/13, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 14 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 30 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Poole back 3/16 after 7, 18 min since (76% of 24)
BACK Hawkins back 3/08 after 3, 2 min since (18% of 14)
NOP availability going into 3/21 · 1 day's restOUT McGowens missed 5 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Jordan missed 4 since 3/13, out tonight
OUT Peavy missed 2 since 3/18, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 15 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Hawkins missed 2 since 3/18, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 31 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Poole back 3/16 after 7, 18 min since (74% of 24)
NEW Matković 15 to 21 min over the last 5
NOP availability going into 3/24 · 2 days' restOUT McGowens missed 6 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Jordan missed 5 since 3/13, out tonight
OUT Peavy missed 3 since 3/18, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 16 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Hawkins missed 3 since 3/18, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 32 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Poole back 3/16 after 7, 18 min since (74% of 24)
NEW Missi 20 to 25 min over the last 5
NEW Matković 15 to 20 min over the last 5
NOP availability going into 3/26 · 1 day's restOUT Poole missed 2 since 3/21, out tonight
OUT McGowens missed 7 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Jordan missed 6 since 3/13, returns tonight: 17 min (101% of 17)
OUT Peavy missed 4 since 3/18, returns tonight: 4 min (23% of 15)
OUT Looney missed 17 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Hawkins missed 4 since 3/18, returns tonight: 22 min (163% of 14)
OUT Alexander missed 33 since 1/11, out tonight
NEW Matković 15 to 21 min over the last 5
NOP availability going into 3/27 · back-to-backOUT Poole missed 3 since 3/21, returns tonight: 23 min (98% of 24)
OUT McGowens missed 8 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 18 since 2/20, out tonight
OUT Alexander missed 34 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Jordan back 3/26 after 6, 17 min since (101% of 17)
BACK Peavy back 3/26 after 4, 4 min since (23% of 15)
BACK Hawkins back 3/26 after 4, 22 min since (163% of 14)
NOP availability going into 3/29 · 1 day's restOUT Murphy III missed 2 since 3/26, out tonight
OUT McGowens missed 9 since 3/11, out tonight
OUT Looney missed 19 since 2/20, returns tonight: 4 min (25% of 15)
OUT Alexander missed 35 since 1/11, out tonight
BACK Poole back 3/27 after 3, 23 min since (98% of 24)
BACK Jordan back 3/26 after 6, 18 min since (108% of 17)
BACK Peavy back 3/26 after 4, 3 min since (19% of 15)
BACK Hawkins back 3/26 after 4, 22 min since (160% of 14)
CLE availability going into 3/13 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 3 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 5 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Harden back 3/01 after 2, 35 min since (100% of 35)
BACK Mitchell back 3/08 after 4, 34 min since (99% of 34)
BACK Wade back 3/08 after 3, 20 min since (90% of 22)
BACK Tomlin back 3/09 after 2, 4 min since (26% of 14)
BACK Nance Jr. back 3/09 after 4, 4 min since (31% of 12)
NEW Ellis 20 to 28 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/15 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 4 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 6 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Mitchell back 3/08 after 4, 32 min since (95% of 34)
BACK Wade back 3/08 after 3, 20 min since (88% of 22)
BACK Tomlin back 3/09 after 2, 10 min since (73% of 14)
BACK Nance Jr. back 3/09 after 4, 5 min since (43% of 12)
NEW Ellis 20 to 27 min over the last 5
NEW Bryant 11 to 17 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/17 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 5 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Merrill missed 2 since 3/13, returns tonight: 28 min (112% of 25)
OUT Proctor missed 7 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Mitchell back 3/08 after 4, 34 min since (99% of 34)
BACK Wade back 3/08 after 3, 21 min since (93% of 22)
BACK Tomlin back 3/09 after 2, 11 min since (77% of 14)
BACK Nance Jr. back 3/09 after 4, 5 min since (43% of 12)
NEW Ellis 20 to 28 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/19 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 6 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 2 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Nance Jr. missed 2 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 8 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Merrill back 3/17 after 2, 28 min since (112% of 25)
BACK Tomlin back 3/09 after 2, 11 min since (77% of 14)
NEW Ellis 20 to 28 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/21 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 7 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 3 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Nance Jr. missed 3 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 9 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Merrill back 3/17 after 2, 30 min since (119% of 25)
NEW Ellis 20 to 28 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/24 · 2 days' restOUT Allen missed 8 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 4 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Nance Jr. missed 4 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 10 since 3/01, out tonight
BACK Merrill back 3/17 after 2, 30 min since (122% of 25)
NEW Ellis 20 to 26 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/25 · back-to-backOUT Allen missed 9 since 3/08, out tonight
OUT Tyson missed 2 since 3/21, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 5 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Nance Jr. missed 5 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Proctor missed 11 since 3/01, returns tonight: 6 min (62% of 10)
BACK Merrill back 3/17 after 2, 31 min since (125% of 25)
NEW Ellis 20 to 25 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/27 · 1 day's restOUT Allen missed 10 since 3/08, returns tonight: 18 min (66% of 28)
OUT Tyson missed 3 since 3/21, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 6 since 3/15, out tonight
OUT Nance Jr. missed 6 since 3/15, returns tonight: 4 min (34% of 12)
BACK Merrill back 3/17 after 2, 31 min since (123% of 25)
BACK Proctor back 3/25 after 11, 6 min since (62% of 10)
NEW Ellis 20 to 26 min over the last 5
CLE availability going into 3/30 · 2 days' restOUT Tyson missed 4 since 3/21, out tonight
OUT Wade missed 2 since 3/25, out tonight
OUT Porter Jr. missed 7 since 3/15, returns tonight: 15 min (92% of 16)
BACK Allen back 3/27 after 10, 18 min since (66% of 28)
BACK Nance Jr. back 3/27 after 6, 4 min since (34% of 12)
BACK Proctor back 3/25 after 11, 6 min since (59% of 10)
NEW Merrill 25 to 30 min over the last 5
NEW Ellis 20 to 26 min over the last 5
I Know — the desk, before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
New Orleans comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 107, shooting 49 percent and 40 from three, 25 free throws a game; Murray at 26 and Murphy III at 22 a game. That is 3 straight wins. Without McGowens (5 straight), Jordan (4 straight), Peavy (2 straight). One day's rest. Cleveland comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 124 a night and allowing 118, shooting 51 percent and 38 from three, 25 free throws a game; Harden at 25 and Mobley at 24 a game. Without Allen (7 straight), Porter Jr. (3 straight). One day's rest.
So: New Orleans wins, and the game turns on the defense, New Orleans allowing 107 a night to Cleveland's 118 and the turnovers, New Orleans giving it away 15 times a game to Cleveland's 12. Call it New Orleans 118, Cleveland 116, Cleveland keeping it close.
3/13 @ HOU 105-107 — NOP notes
NOP lost 105-107. NOP shot 44% (37 of 84) to HOU's 43%, 13 of 32 from three, and went to the line 26 times to HOU's 17 — 18 points from the stripe to their 13. Murray led with 35 (14 of 18, 4 of 5 from three); Williamson added 21, Murphy III 14. Q4 was theirs, 33-27, the deficit cut from 8 to 2, but the other 3 periods went 80-72 against them. Bey's -15 in 30 minutes was the worst on the floor.
3/16 vs DAL 129-111 — NOP notes
NOP won 129-111. NOP shot 51% (48 of 95) to DAL's 42%, 11 of 35 from three, and went to the line 34 times to DAL's 14 — 22 points from the stripe to their 9. Williamson led with 27 (11 of 13, 5 of 9 at the line); Bey added 23, Murphy III 17. The hinge was Q2, 35-28: a lead of 6 became 13, and the lead reached 19. Matković was the night's best plus/minus at +20.
3/18 vs LAC 124-109 — NOP notes
NOP won 124-109. NOP shot 53% (44 of 83) to LAC's 51%, 16 of 37 from three, and went to the line 21 times to LAC's 13 — 20 points from the stripe to their 10. Bey led with 25 (10 of 21, 5 of 10 from three); Murphy III added 23, Murray 17. The hinge was Q2, 34-20: NOP came in trailing by 14 and left it level, and the lead reached 20. Matković was the night's best plus/minus at +21.
3/19 vs LAC 105-99 — NOP notes
NOP won 105-99. NOP shot 47% (37 of 78) to LAC's 46%, 13 of 34 from three, and got to the line 22 times to LAC's 32. Murphy III led with 27 (9 of 17, 5 of 11 from three); Bey added 20, Williamson 15. The hinge was Q4, 18-15: a lead of 3 became 6. Williamson was the night's best plus/minus at +12.
3/21 vs CLE 106-111 — NOP notes
NOP lost 106-111. NOP shot 43% (39 of 90) to CLE's 48%, 12 of 40 from three. The glass went 40-55 against them. Williamson led with 25 (10 of 14, 5 of 9 at the line); Bey added 19, Jones 12. Q2 was theirs, 28-19, turning a 6-point deficit into a 3-point lead, but the other 3 periods went 92-78 against them. They led by as many as 15. Matković's -11 in 12 minutes was the worst on the floor.
3/24 @ NYK — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
New York comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 103, shooting 49 percent and 38 from three, 22 free throws a game; Brunson at 25 and Towns at 23 a game. That is 5 straight wins. It has won the glass by 12 a night. Without McBride (26 straight). One day's rest. New Orleans comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 114 a night and allowing 107, shooting 48 percent and 37 from three, 25 free throws a game; Murray at 21 and Williamson at 20 a game. Without McGowens (6 straight), Jordan (5 straight), Peavy (3 straight). 2 days' rest.
So: New York wins, and the game turns on the glass, where New York has been plus-12 a night and New Orleans minus-2. Call it New York 116, New Orleans 110.
3/26 @ DET — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Detroit comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 111, shooting 49 percent and 33 from three, 26 free throws a game; Duren at 26 and Jenkins at 19 a game. It has won the glass by 5 a night. Without Cunningham (4 straight), Stewart (6 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. New Orleans comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 116 a night and allowing 110, shooting 49 percent and 37 from three, 22 free throws a game; Bey at 21 and Williamson at 21 a game. Without Poole (2 straight), McGowens (7 straight), Jordan (6 straight). One day's rest.
So: Detroit wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Detroit has been plus-5 a night and New Orleans minus-2 and the arc, New Orleans at 37 percent from three to Detroit's 33. Call it Detroit 117, New Orleans 113, New Orleans keeping it close.
3/27 @ TOR — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Toronto comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 119, shooting 52 percent and 40 from three, 23 free throws a game; Barrett at 19 and Barnes at 16 a game. Without Quickley (2 straight). One day's rest. New Orleans comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 114, shooting 48 percent and 38 from three, 20 free throws a game; Bey at 20 and Williamson at 19 a game. That is 3 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 4 a night. Without Poole (3 straight), McGowens (8 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: Toronto wins, in a game with no one edge to lean on. Call it Toronto 118, New Orleans 113.
3/29 vs HOU — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
New Orleans comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 108 a night and allowing 116, shooting 46 percent and 35 from three, 21 free throws a game; Williamson at 21 and Bey at 19 a game. That is 4 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 5 a night. Without Murphy III (2 straight), McGowens (9 straight). One day's rest. Houston comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 114, shooting 49 percent and 37 from three, 25 free throws a game; Durant at 29 and Sengun at 22 a game. It has won the glass by 7 a night. One day's rest.
So: Houston wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where Houston has been plus-7 a night and New Orleans minus-5 and the turnovers, Houston giving it away 17 times a game to New Orleans's 12. Call it Houston 116, New Orleans 113, New Orleans keeping it close.
3/13 @ DAL 138-105 — CLE notes
CLE won 138-105. CLE shot 62% (56 of 91) to DAL's 44%, 18 of 38 from three, and got to the line 13 times to DAL's 24. Mobley led with 29 (12 of 15, 2 of 4 from three, 3 of 7 at the line); Mitchell added 24, Harden 17. The hinge was Q1, 38-21: from level to 17 ahead, and the lead reached 35. Harden was the night's best plus/minus at +27.
3/15 vs DAL 120-130 — CLE notes
CLE lost 120-130. CLE shot 51% (45 of 88) to DAL's 53%, 16 of 41 from three, and got to the line 21 times to DAL's 27. Mitchell led with 26 (10 of 24, 4 of 11 from three); Strus added 24, Mobley 18. Q4 was theirs, 34-30, the deficit cut from 14 to 10, but the other 3 periods went 100-86 against them. Wade's -12 in 26 minutes was the worst on the floor.
3/17 @ MIL 123-116 — CLE notes
CLE won 123-116. CLE shot 49% (42 of 86) to MIL's 48%, 12 of 36 from three, and went to the line 34 times to MIL's 17 — 27 points from the stripe to their 12. Harden led with 27 (7 of 10, 2 of 4 from three, 11 of 13 at the line); Mobley added 27, Mitchell 19. The hinge was Q1, 37-24: from level to 13 ahead. CLE trailed 57-58 at the half and won the second half 66-58. Merrill was the night's best plus/minus at +22.
3/19 @ CHI 115-110 — CLE notes
CLE won 115-110. CLE shot 44% (40 of 91) to CHI's 45%, 14 of 41 from three, and went to the line 31 times to CHI's 17 — 21 points from the stripe to their 11. Harden led with 36 (10 of 23, 7 of 13 from three, 9 of 11 at the line); Mobley added 26, Tyson 18. The hinge was Q1, 32-22: from level to 10 ahead, and the lead reached 29.
3/21 @ NOP 111-106 — CLE notes
CLE won 111-106. CLE shot 48% (42 of 88) to NOP's 43%, 12 of 39 from three. The glass went 55-40 for them. Mitchell led with 27 (9 of 23, 3 of 8 from three, 6 of 7 at the line); Harden added 20, Mobley 18. The hinge was Q4, 35-18: CLE came in trailing by 12 and left it ahead by 5. CLE trailed 53-56 at the half and won the second half 58-50. Harden was the night's best plus/minus at +14.
3/24 vs ORL — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 113, shooting 51 percent and 37 from three, 24 free throws a game; Mitchell at 24 and Mobley at 24 a game. That is 3 straight wins. It has won the glass by 6 a night. Without Allen (8 straight), Porter Jr. (4 straight). 2 days' rest. Orlando comes in 0-5 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 120, shooting 44 percent and 33 from three, 22 free throws a game; Banchero at 25 and Bane at 17 a game. That is 5 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 7 a night. Without Fra. Wagner (18 straight), Black (9 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: Cleveland wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Cleveland has been plus-6 a night and Orlando minus-7 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 113 a night to Orlando's 120. Call it Cleveland 121, Orlando 112.
3/25 vs MIA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 119, shooting 50 percent and 35 from three, 27 free throws a game; Mitchell at 28 and Harden at 24 a game. That is 4 straight wins. Without Allen (9 straight), Tyson (2 straight), Porter Jr. (5 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. Miami comes in 0-5 over its last five, scoring 116 a night and allowing 130, shooting 46 percent and 31 from three, 24 free throws a game; Adebayo at 24 and Powell at 20 a game. That is 5 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 11 a night. One day's rest.
So: Cleveland wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Cleveland has been plus-3 a night and Miami minus-11 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 119 a night to Miami's 130. Call it Cleveland 122, Miami 117.
3/27 vs MIA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 117, shooting 49 percent and 34 from three, 28 free throws a game; Mitchell at 29 and Harden at 25 a game. It has won the glass by 5 a night. Without Allen (10 straight), Tyson (3 straight), Porter Jr. (6 straight). One day's rest. Miami comes in 1-4 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 126, shooting 47 percent and 33 from three, 23 free throws a game; Adebayo at 24 and Herro at 20 a game. It has lost the glass by 8 a night. Without Jović (2 straight), Smith (2 straight). One day's rest.
So: Cleveland wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Cleveland has been plus-5 a night and Miami minus-8 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 117 a night to Miami's 126. Call it Cleveland 121, Miami 116.
3/30 @ UTA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Utah comes in 0-5 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 134, shooting 47 percent and 30 from three, 27 free throws a game; Bailey at 21 and Sensabaugh at 21 a game. That is 5 straight losses. It has lost the glass by 11 a night. Without Collier (6 straight), Hinson (2 straight), Love (6 straight). One day's rest. Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 123 a night and allowing 119, shooting 50 percent and 37 from three, 27 free throws a game; Mitchell at 26 and Harden at 23 a game. Without Tyson (4 straight), Wade (2 straight), Porter Jr. (7 straight). 2 days' rest.
So: Cleveland wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where Cleveland has been plus-3 a night and Utah minus-11 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 119 a night to Utah's 134. Call it Cleveland 124, Utah 119.
Who is who
the initials in the Players column
CLEDM D. Mitchell
DS D. Schröder
DW D. Wade
EM E. Mobley
JH J. Harden
KE K. Ellis
MS M. Strus
NT N. Tomlin
SM S. Merrill
SC Schroder
TB T. Bryant
NOPDM D. Murray
DQ D. Queen
HJ H. Jones
JF J. Fears
KM K. Matković
SB S. Bey
TM T. Murphy III
YM Y. Missi
ZW Z. Williamson
CLE/NOP the team itself, not a player
-- the feed named nobody
What
What happened
the codes in the Events column
M2 / M3 made 2 / made 3
X2 / X3 missed 2 / missed 3
FT / X1 free throw made / missed
AST assist
OR / DR offensive / defensive rebound
STL steal
BLK block
TO turnover
FL foul
OF offensive foul — ends the possession
VIOL violation
JUMP jump ball
TM timeout
IR instant replay
HE heave at the buzzer, filed to the team
END the clock ran out, ball in hand
Where
Where a shot came from
the middle field of M3.LW.25
RM at the rim inside 4 ft
RC right corner
RW right wing
SO straight on
LW left wing
LC left corner
M3.LW.25 made 3, left wing, 25 ft
X2.RM.01 missed 2, at the rim, 1 ft
When
When it happened
the Offset column
one number per event, in the Events order:
whole seconds from the start of the
possession to that event
Events FL X3.RC.23 OR M2.RM.01
Offset 0 18 22 24
the foul opens the possession at 0s;
the putback ends it at 24s, which is
the possession's own Dur
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden power the Cavaliers past the Pelicans 111-106
NEW ORLEANS -- — Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points and James Harden , held scoreless in the first half, added 20 second-half points to power the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 111-106 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Cleveland trailed 88-76 entering the final period, but outscored the Pelicans 35-18 in the fourth — with Harden scoring 13 and Mitchell 12 in the quarter. It was the Cavaliers’ eighth victory in their last nine games against New Orleans, which had its seven-game home winning streak snapped.
Harden made three 3-pointers and a layup in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter to spark an 18-7 run, and the Cavs took the lead for good, 100-99, on a layup by Max Strus , during a 15-7 surge.
Zion Williams, who picked up three early fouls and was quiet offensively in the first half, scored 15 of his team-high 25 points in the third quarter. In a 2:16 span of the third, Williamson scored 11 points and assisted on a 3-pointer by Saddiq Bey in the left corner during a 14-2 run that gave the Pelicans a 72-61 lead. Bey finished with 19.
The Cavaliers’ defense crowded Trey Murphy away from the 3-point line, and Herb Jones, not normally a threat from long range, went 4 of 10 from deep for 12 first-half points as New Orleans took a 56-53 halftime lead.
Cleveland raced to a 31-18 lead on the strength of Mitchell’s nine first-quarter points and 10 team assists on 12 made field goals, but New Orleans closed the period on a 10-0 run.
Harden, who scored a team-high 36 points in a 115-110 victory over Chicago on Thursday, had five assists in the first half.
Up next Cavaliers: Host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Pelicans: Play at the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.