Knicks snap 16-game losing streak against the Pelicans

The end of New Orleans’ road trip featured an eerily similar result as the opener, complete with a back-breaking 3-pointer by an opposing guard in the final minute, leading to a frustrating defeat for the Pelicans.

Last Monday in Boston, Celtics rookie Marcus Smart buried a left-corner trey to virtually end New Orleans’ hopes for a win. This time, Knicks veteran point guard Jose Calderon knocked down a momentous trifecta from the right corner to give New York a 96-92 edge with only 32 seconds to go.

As a result, the Pelicans wrapped up their season-most five-game road trip with a disappointing 2-3 record, with a loss to Philadelphia in between the narrow defeats to Boston and New York. The Pelicans also beat Detroit and Toronto, the two toughest opponents on paper during the Eastern Conference trek.

Carmelo Anthony drained a pair of free throws with 8.1 seconds remaining, giving the Knicks a three-possession advantage at 99-92. New York fans began celebrating as the home team ensured itself of a win that ended a franchise-record 16-game losing streak.