National Basketball Association

Pelicans lose to Knicks despite Anthony Davis' return

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:40 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony enjoyed Kevin Seraphin's solid performance even more than his own big game.

Anthony had 29 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, and the Knicks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 95-87 on Sunday.

Langston Galloway scored 15 points and Seraphin had 12 for New York, which was coming off consecutive losses to Charlotte and Cleveland. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis had 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting.

Seraphin, a Frenchman who shaved "PARIS" into his hair to honor the victims of the terror attack in France, had 10 points, seven rebounds and no assists in six games coming into the day. He was 6 for 8 from the field in 14 minutes against New Orleans, and also contributed three rebounds and two assists.

"(Seraphin) gets the game ball," Anthony said. "He deserved it. He was ready. He was a big part of our run that we made in the second half. To see him, and what he's dealing with emotionally and mentally, be prepared today when his number was called was big."

Sensing Seraphin had the hot hand, Anthony isolated the reserve forward on the block for several post-up plays down the stretch.

"When you see the star of the team, especially a guy like (Anthony), giving me the ball and telling me to get in the post and he'd get me the ball, it gives you confidence," Seraphin said.

Anthony Davis had 36 points and 11 rebounds for New Orleans, and Ryan Anderson scored 16 points.

Davis returned after missing two games with a bruised right hip.

"It feels great to be back but that doesn't mean anything," he said. "We still lost. I just want to win. I (can) score 42, two points, zero points, one point, I just want to win. Right now we just have to find a way to do that."

The Pelicans have lost three in a row and nine of 10 to begin the season. They are winless in six road games.

"We're the only ones that can dig us out of this," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said. "We don't have any excuses. As I said, we can play hard and we can compete and do what we're supposed to do and if it works out, then fine. If it doesn't work out, then fine also. But we're not doing that. We're not competing at the highest level that we can from the standpoint that you get the game back workable."

Anderson made two foul shots and Jrue Holiday had a driving layup to trim New York's lead to 89-85 with 1:53 left. But Anthony made four free throws and Galloway also hit two foul shots to help the Knicks hold on.

TIP-INS

Pelicans: Kendrick Perkins (right pectoral), Quincy Pondexter (left knee), Tyreke Evans (right knee) and Norris Cole (sprained left ankle) sat out with injuries. ... Ish Smith had five assists and is averaging 7.6 this season. "We knew that we would get the best Ish," Gentry said. "We think that he plays extremely hard and gives you great effort. He's been good for us."

Knicks: Lou Amundson responded to a verbal jab from Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson dating to Friday's game. "I just thought it would be more understanding from a player I played with before, but because I played with Tristan, I was a little surprised to see that from him," he said.

FRANCE

There was a moment of silence before the game to honor the victims of the terror attack in Paris. During the moment of silence, the colors of the French flag were displayed on the court followed by the French national anthem.

UP NEXT

Pelicans: Host Denver on Tuesday.

Knicks: Host Charlotte on Tuesday.

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