James Harden had 39 points and 12 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets went on a 16-6 run in the fourth quarter to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-112.
The Pelicans went on a 23-6 run to lead 104-101 with 4:36 left in the fourth quarter. Harden’s free throw put the Nets ahead for good with 3:45 left. They took a 117-110 lead with 29 seconds left.
Joe Harris’ floater with 1:42 left made it 112-108, and Harden’s 28-foot 3-pointer with 29.0 seconds left put it away at 117-110.
During clutch time, the Nets outscored the Pelicans 17-8. Kevin Durant (No. 6 in clutch points, 2021-22) scored 5 of the Nets’ 17 on 2 for 3 shooting. With 3:54 left, Harden stole the ball from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and his free throws off it put the Nets ahead 105-104.
Durant had 28 points and 8 assists, and Harris added 24 points (18 on 6 3-pointers) on 9 for 12 shooting. The Nets had 3 20-point scorers. Harden assisted on 8 of Durant’s 11 baskets, 2 of them during the 16-6 run.
For the Pelicans, Jonas Valančiūnas had 20 points (8 in the fourth quarter) and 12 rebounds.
The Nets shot 50.0% from the field and 52.9% from 3 to the Pelicans’ 48.9% and 40.6%. They outscored the Pelicans 26-10 off turnovers. The Pelicans’ starters were outscored 39-22 in 13 minutes together. Herbert Jones fouled out.