In a rare occurrence that hasn't taken place in years, the New Orleans Pelicans were forced to play three games in three consecutive days this week.This was due to a clash with the Indiana Pacers being called off in February due to a roof leak and was re-scheduled in between games against the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.Most teams struggle on back-to-backs and it's where we tend to see many 'schedule losses' take place but with the Pelicans in a battle to secure a playoff place in the west, they couldn't take any nights off.With the inspired form of superstar Anthony Davis, they were able to win all three games and remain firmly in contention for a postseason berth.They pulled out a nail-biting 128-125 win against the Lakers at home on Thursday night to go a perfect 3-0 on their own floor over this gruelling stretch.In the process, they set a historic mark as they became the first team to win home games on three consecutive days since the Seattle SuperSonics did it in 1979.New Orleans certainly could've been excused for feeling fatigued and unable to deal with the speed and energy of the Lakers but Davis wasn't going to let them use that as an excuse.The All-Star put on another stunning display as he finished the game with 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting, along with nine rebounds, two blocks, and three steals."We just tried to fight through the fatigue, physically and mentally and just try to pull this one out," Davis said, per ESPN. "It was hard. I was feeling it for sure. I just wanted to keep pushing."As well as dominating offensively, the power forward came up with a game-sealing steal in the final seconds.With the visitors down three, Lonzo Ball inbounded the ball to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but instead of shooting a three he attempted to pass it to Brook Lopez but it was stolen by Davis and the game was over.The 25-year-old has taken on the responsibility of leading his team's playoff charge since fellow big man DeMarcus Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury.Almost everybody assumed their chances were slim, at best, but AD has put the team on his back and has played some truly phenomenal basketball to keep them in the hunt.

They're now fourth in the west with a 43-30 record and are three-and-a-half games ahead of the ninth-placed Denver Nuggets, giving them some breathing space.

But the Pelicans are not content with just making it to the playoffs, they're determined to finish as high as possible and gain home-court advantage.

They now have one night off before they hit the court again in a tough encounter on the road against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

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