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Temple, Jones rally Pelicans past Cavaliers after Rubio hurt

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Garrett Temple nailed four 3-pointers in a 3:50 span of the fourth quarter and rookie Herb Jones scored a career-high 26 points to lift the New Orleans Pelicans to a 108-104 comeback victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers led by as many as 23 points in the first quarter but could not ward off a strong three quarters by the Pelicans.

Ricky Rubio had 27 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for Cleveland before injuring his left knee on a non-contact stop in the lane with 2:20 left.

Rubio had to be carried off the court by teammates.