The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the New York Knicks, 104 - 92, at Smoothie King Center on Friday. The Pelicans came out with some fire early on, as they would n't allow the Knicks to comeback in this game. In fact, New Orleans took a 31 - 21 lead after the first quarter, as the Knicks only had one lead after that, which lasted less than two minutes. Defense was key for the Pelicans, as the Knicks shot 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three - point range. In addition, New Orleans won the assisting and turnover battles, en route to their 12 - point win. New York (16 - 16) got down early in this game and they simply could n't recover after that. Their "big three" did all they could though, as they each scored at least 20 points in the defeat. Carmelo Anthony led the team, as he tallied 26 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Kristaps Porzingis also double - doubled, as he totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rose dropped 20 points to go along with his three steals. Justin Holiday was the only player with more than five points, as he collected eight points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench. On deck for the Knicks is a road matchup with the Houston Rockets on Saturday. New Orleans (14 - 21) has now won five of their last six games, as they continue to get healthy. Anthony Davis went off once again, as he led the team with 23 points and 18 rebounds. Tyreke Evans was second on the team, as he provided 16 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench. Jrue Holiday recorded a double - double, as he accrued 12 points, four rebounds and 11 assists in the win. E'Twaun Moore and Buddy Hield scored 12 points a piece. The Pelicans will look to keep rolling on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
["TeamStat(G,'Pelicans') has 21 Percentage of 3 points ,has 104 Percentage of field goals ,has 31 Losses ,has 14 Total points ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Knicks') has 30 Percentage of 3 points ,has 38 Percentage of field goals ,has 16 Losses ,has 92 Total points ,has 21 Points in 1st quarter ,has 16 Wins ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Carmelo Anthony') has 3 Assists ,has 26 Points ,has 13 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Kristaps Porzingis') has 3 Assists ,has 21 Points ,has 12 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Derrick Rose') has 20 Assists ,has 3 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Justin Holiday') has 4 Assists ,has 8 Points ,has 7 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Anthony Davis') has 23 Assists ,has 18 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Buddy Hield') has 12 Assists ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Jrue Holiday') has 11 Assists ,has 12 Points ,has 4 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Tyreke Evans') has 4 Assists ,has 16 Points ,has 5 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'E'Twaun Moore') has 12 Assists ."]