For the first time since March the Pelicans own a 3-game winning streaking. With 12.3 seconds remaining Anthony Davis soared in front of Dirk Nowitzki, plucking Rajon Rondo‘s inbound pass out of the air and sealing a Pelicans victory.

Dropping to the floor, Davis called a timeout after corralling ball as it deflected off the floor. Leaping right back up, he jabbed a hearty fist pump, leaned his head back, and screamed as the the crowd roared with him. These are the games where Davis leaves the audience, and opponent, in awe – and with the game in question, he dominated the final minute to deliver New Orleans a big win.

These are the games where Davis leaves the audience, and opponent, in awe

Passing lanes and open shots can vanish in one step when Davis is on the floor. The Mavericks learned this as he blocked a leaning Monta Ellis jumper with his left hand, firing off a fast-break to Poindexter for a foul and free throws with :55 left. This came after a huge Eric Gordon 3, tying the game at 102. Poindexter knocked down 1/2 free throws to give the Pelicans a 103-102 lead.

Ellis torched New Orleans all night, scoring 36 points on 16/27 shooting. He responded to the Poindexter free throws with a driving layup to put Dallas up 104-102. Tyreke Evans answered with a layup of his own, before Ellis scored his final basket to give Dallas a 106-105 lead.

Tyson Chandler, who missed the third quarter with an injury, fouled Anthony Davis on the following inbound play, setting up the first of four consecutive free throws by Davis to get the win 109-106. Just as impressively, Davis held Nowitzki, an ace fourth-quarter finisher, in check the final minute. Nowitzki finished with 24 points on 42% shooting (8/19 FGA – 2/8 3PA), doing most of his damage in the third quarter.

The win improves the Pelicans record against division rivals to 6-4, good for best in the Southwest. New Orleans had dropped nine straight to the Mavericks going into Sunday’s game. The win and streak is a welcome relief for Pelicans fans. After a disastrous January road trip, the Pelicans have wins over the Lakers, Timberwolves, and Mavericks in the last five days.

The lineup has been bolstered by Davis and Ryan Anderson getting healthy enough to play. Anderson was huge in establishing a first-half lead, scoring all 18 of his points on 6/7 shooting. This continues his habit of impressive home performances, and included some nasty turnaround J’s in addition to his regular spot-up mastery. AD totaled 29 pts (8/18 FGA – 12/14 FTA), 10 rebs, 5 steals, and 3 assists.

Tyreke Evans was his usual possessed self, relentlessly attaching the rim on his way to 24 points. He efficiently scored and created plays all night, going 11-19 from the field with 12 assists and just 3 turnovers.

Eric Gordon turned in a(nother) pedestrian performance, getting 9 points. Quincy Poindexter helped make up for that with 14 points off the bench. Dell Demps has to be very happy with how the Austin Rivers-Poindexter deal has gone.

“When AD hit the floor he called a timeout, you don’t see many 21 year olds who know how to finish that play”

Postgame Monty Williams said he was really happy with the win over a “tough playoff-type team”. Going further he commented that “our guys had a chance to fold after losing the 10 point lead”. He was praising number 23 saying, “Davis was telling guys to get him the ball” the final minute and, referencing the final steal, “When AD hit the floor he called a timeout, you don’t see many 21 year olds who know how to finish that play”.

Defensively, on the final play Williams called a pre-switch on Ellis. The Pelicans flashed a double-team to Ellis using the inbound defender. Poindexter nearly intercepted the first attempted inbounds pass with 12.3 seconds remaining. The second attemp at the inbound Monta was doubled again which led to the errant Nowitzki pass Davis intercepted.

Jan 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) knocks the ball away from Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) on a inbounds play during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Mavericks 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Williams was running pre-switches all night between Davis, Poindexter, and Cunningham. It will be interesting to see other defensive packages Williams rolls out as Cunningham and Poindexter get more comfortable with the team.

Sunday’s game was the first of a 6-game homestand for the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. They will look to extend their streak against the sub-.500 Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, before facing the playoff-bound Clippers, Hawks, and Thunder.