Hawks vs Pelicans final score: Atlanta struggles late, falls in New Orleans

The Atlanta Hawks drop their second straight game with a 105-100 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Atlanta squandered away a late lead thanks to some fourth quarter offensive struggles and a big performance from the Pelicans' Anthony Davis.

After sparring for each other most of the first half, Atlanta clamped down defensively over the final moments of the second quarter and finished the period with a 16-4 run to take a 51-47 lead. They entered the fourth leading 75-71 despite having hit 11-21 three-point attempts to that point.

New Orleans began the fourth with a quick 5-0 run to grab a 76-75 lead. The Hawks answered and a three by Mike Scott put Atlanta up 83-76 with 7:45 remaining. The Pelicans then answered with a 9-0 run to go back in front 85-83. Atlanta wouldn't lead again as New Orleans outscored them 29-15 over the last seven minutes of the game.

Anthony Davis scored 10 of his game high 17 in the fourth quarter to help the Pelicans pull away for the victory. Davis was outstanding going 9-14 from the field for 27 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brian Roberts finished with 19 while Eric Gordon pitched in 18. Anthony Morrow scored nine of his 16 off the bench in the fourth quarter.

Paul Millsap bounced back from a subpar performance on Tuesday with 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. DeMarre Carroll finished with a career-high 22 points while Mike Scott added 16 off the bench. Jeff Teague recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 assists but was just 5-14 from the floor.

It hasn't happened often to Atlanta this season but the Hawks lost some of their poise on the offensive end as the lead slipped away in the fourth. Some bad decisions resulted in some bad shots and rewarded the Pelicans with some transition opportunities at the other end.

Atlanta gets two much needed off days to focus in before hosting the Memphis Grizzlies at Philips Arena on Saturday.