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Ajinca's career-high effort helps Pelicans beat Heat

Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports / reuters

The New Orleans Pelicans squeaked by the Miami Heat on Friday thanks to a career-high 24 points from center Alexis Ajinca.

Ajinca came off the bench to go 9-of-10 from the field, including the game-winning basket with 26 seconds remaining off a pass from Eric Gordon. Ajinca added eight rebounds and three blocks in the win.

The two teams traded punches for much of the game, but Miami held a nine-point edge heading into the fourth. However, the Heat's offense shriveled up and managed just 20 points in the final frame.

With just over a minute remaining, Heat center Hassan Whiteside threw down a dunk to put the Heat up two. The Pelicans responded, though, with a basket by Ajinca to knot the game at 102.

The Heat missed on their ensuing possession as Henry Walker clanked a desperate 29-foot jump shot. That set up Gordon and Ajinca combining on a pick-and-roll, which ultimately saw Ajinca pot an easy lay-in after the Heat collapsed on Gordon.

Wade tried for a game-winner on the last possession, but missed a contested 3-pointer as time ran out.

Ajinca's stellar effort was helped along by Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter and Gordon, who scored 19, 18 and 20 points, respectively. 

Luol Deng had 22 points for the Heat, while Goran Dragic added 20.

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