Cavs show up just enough, power way past Pelicans

Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ 111-106 road escape over the Pelicans on Saturday …

1. This one was under control. Until it wasn’t. Then it really wasn’t.

2. The Cavs were down 15 in the fourth quarter to a team they should have handled. And then, just like that, it was again.

3. Basically, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell just decided enough was enough.

4. Harden started the avalanche. Back-to-back threes. Calm. Easy. Veteran stuff.

5. Mitchell followed. Triple. Free throws. Attacking like he finally remembered who he is. Suddenly, a 16-2 run. Game flipped. Building quiet.

6. I’ll be honest, I’ve covered the Cavs for 20 years as a full-timer, and thought, “Maybe I’ll take the night off. I could use one.” Maybe the Cavs (44-27) thought the same.

7. Anyway, the Cavs closed on a 35-18 fourth quarter. That will usually do it against a downtrodden team such as the Pelicans (25-47).

8. Mitchell finished with 27. Did not have it early. Absolutely had it late.

9. Harden added 20 and 10 assists. Thirteen of those points came in the fourth. This guy, man. He just has great timing.

10. Evan Mobley? Probably the best Cav over the full 48. Efficient 18 points. Active defensively. Just steady the whole night.

11. But this was not pretty. Let’s not pretend otherwise. The Cavs went cold for long stretches. The lead disappeared. The energy dipped.

12. That said, this is why you make big moves. When things stall, you have guys who can go get it.

13. The Harden-Mitchell pairing is still new. Nights like this are part of the process. Also part of it? Not falling behind by 15 to this opponent.

14. Sam Merrill scored 15 and get this … he also led the team in rebounding (10). Thomas Bryant added 11 and eight, respectively, in reserve.

15. Zion Williamson scored 25 to lead the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey, who may lead the NBA in inspirational comeback seasons, added 19.

16. The Cavs will take it. Probably not celebrate it.

17. Next up, the Orlando Magic. Tuesday at home. Another chance to clean some things up.

18. I started a new YouTube channel. Subscribe and let’s get rich. Or more likely, just follow along and poke fun at me. On Thursday, I’ll be taking you to my work at the Full Court Cleveland show with Booby Gibson. You can check out the first installment below. I talk Giannis rumors.