Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday were pivotal for New Orleans in Game 4 of the 2018 Western Conference First Round.
The New Orleans franchise began in 2002. They have made nine trips to the playoffs, but they are still looking for their first championship. Let’s highlight their top five leaders for points scored in a single playoff game.
Anthony Davis, 47 Points (2018 Western Conference First Round, Game 4)
The Pelicans were up 3-0 over the Trail Blazers heading into Game 4 of their 2018 first round series. Davis helped complete the sweep by scoring 47 points in the Pelicans’ Game 4 win. He played 39 minutes, shooting 15-for-23 from the field and 15-for-17 from the free-throw line. The Pelicans went on to be eliminated in the next round by the Warriors. During that nine-game Pelicans playoff run, Davis averaged 30.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.3 blocks.
Jrue Holiday, 41 Points (2018 Western Conference First Round, Game 4)
Davis wasn’t the only reason why the Pelicans won that Game 4 versus the Trail Blazers. Holiday scored 41 points in the victory, shooting 15-for-23 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line. He also chipped in eight assists in the game. Over nine playoff games that season, Holiday averaged 23.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.1 steals.
David West, 38 Points (2008 Western Conference Semifinals, Game 5)
The then New Orleans Hornets were tied 2-2 with the Spurs heading into Game 5 of their 2008 Western Conference Semifinals series against the Spurs. They then won Game 5 by 22 points with West leading the way. He shot 16-for-25 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line on his way to scoring 38 points. He also finished with 14 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two steals. The Hornets eventually lost the series in seven games.
Brandon Ingram, 37 Points (2022 Western Conference First Round, Game 2)
The Pelicans were down 0-1 in their first round series against the Suns in 2022. Ingram then helped them even up the series by scoring 37 points in Game 2. He shot 13-for-21 from the field and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe. He also narrowly missed a triple-double, posting 11 rebounds and nine assists. The Pelicans went on to lose the series in six games.
Anthony Davis, 36 Points (2015 Western Conference First Round, Game 4)
Although game 4 was a sweep for the Pelicans during their first round series against the Warriors in 2015, Davis was excellent in Game 4. He scored 36 points to go along with 11 rebounds and three blocks. And shot 14-for-20 from the field and went 8-for-9 from the free-throw line.
Jamal Mashburn, 36 Points (2003 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 6)
Mashburn also scored 36 points in the playoffs, which came in Game 6 of a 2003 first round series against the 76ers. He shot 14-for-27 from the field and 5-for-7 on free throws. The New Orleans Hornets lost the game, eliminating them from the playoffs.
