Pelicans @ Cavaliers Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • December 24, 2025
Team Stats
(Pelicans @ Cavaliers)
Final Score: 100-128
Rebounds: 40-52
Assists: 23-29
Blocks: 3-9
Steals: 9-10
Turnovers: 11-11
Stat Leaders
(Pelicans/Cavaliers)
Scoring Leaders: Antonio Reeves, 34; Ty Jerome, 29
Rebound Leaders: Yves Missi, 8; Jaylon Tyson, 11
Assist Leaders: Elfrid Payton, 8; Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., 7
My Player of the Game: Antonio Reeves
Takeaways
- If you didn't know who Austin Reeves was before this game, well you should now. The rookie scored 34 points against the best team in the NBA right now.
- The Pels were without Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Zion Williamson in this game. So there's that.
- BI and Trey Murphy will hopefully be available for Friday's home game against the Warriors, and it's got to be close to time for McCollum and Jones to be coming back as well.
- New Orleans is 4-12 on the season, and are the second to last team in the Western Conference standings.
- It can only get better from here.
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The Biggest Western Conference Threats Heading Into the 2026-27 Season
Dylan Basher 6-2/215 Dripping Springs, TX
Tackling and Run Defense: Brasher’s tackle totals demonstrate excellent pursuit and gap-filling ability. He’s aggressive at the point of attack, with good instincts to diagnose plays quickly and shed blocks.
Productivity in High-Volume Role: Leading a competitive Texas district in tackles speaks to his durability and consistency. His TFL numbers indicate disruptive potential behind the line of scrimmage.
Versatility: He can drop into zones and handle underneath routes, making him a potential three-down linebacker.
Upside: At 215 lbs with a 6-2 frame, he has the tools to develop into a starter at the Group of Five level, especially with college coaching and strength training. Room to grow with his frame possible 230-240.
Stats: 125 tackles, 16 TFLs, 5 hurries, and 4 PBUs
Total Offers: 8 (per 247Sports)
Notable Offers: Oklahoma State, UTSA, North Texas, Tulane, Columbia, and others. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X