Valanciunas leads Raptors over Pelicans, 94-87
NEW ORLEANS — Toronto centre Jonas Valanciunas clearly wasn’t intimidated by a Pelicans frontcourt featuring All-Stars DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.
The Lithuanian 7-footer turned in one of his best performances this season, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, and the Raptors emerged with a 94-87 victory Wednesday night over a New Orleans squad that played without Davis during the second half.
“I was ready. I’m ready every night,” Valanciunas said. “I’m waiting for that chance. Give me a chance and I’m going to fight hard.”
The Pelicans announced that Davis hurt his left wrist, an injury that appeared to occur when he caught his wrist on the front rim and then crashed to the court during the Pelicans’ final possession of the first half. Davis was fouled by Norman Powell as he leaped in an effort to corral an alley-oop pass. Davis, who shoots right-handed, made two free throws after the foul, but never emerged from the locker room after halftime in a game that was close most of the way.