West Conf. Semis - Game 5: New Orleans Pelicans 104-113 Golden State Warriors - 5 Talking Points

#4 Pelicans threaten with a late run but couldn't finish

Anthony Davis dunks one home.

So as the fourth quarter tipped off, the Pelicans were staring at a 20-point deficit. Normally, to begin the final period, both teams trade buckets or empty possessions before it's time for the coaches to clear the benches. Well, New Orleans were in no mood to just lay down.

Coach Alvin Gentry kept Anthony Davis out on the floor for much of the fourth quarter and it eventually bore fruit. They didn't win but they surely got the Warriors and the crowd at Oracle Arena nervous. Over a 6-minute span, from 8:18 left in the fourth quarter (Warriors led 105-82) to when there was just 2:04 left (Warriors led 107-100), the Pelicans went on an 18-2 run, which cut the lead down to 7.

Anybody would panic in such a scenario and the Warriors quickly put all their starters in, minus Iggy, and saw the rest of the game through.