Tyreke Evans the hero as New Orleans Pelicans edge out Toronto Raptors

Tyreke Evans hit a last-gasp layup as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Toronto Raptors in a topsy-turvy affair on Sunday.

Evans's shot with 1.6 seconds on the clock gave the Pelicans a 95-93 lead after they had surrendered a 14-point half-time advantage.

They fell as much as 12 behind in the final quarter, but Evans led the fightback with a game-high 26 points for New Orleans, who were without star duo Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday for the second game in a row.

DeMar DeRozan top-scored for the Raptors with 22 as Dwane Casey's side lost their second consecutive match to fall six and a half games behind the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference.

New Orleans improve to a .500 winning ratio (20-20) and remain just outside the playoffs in ninth spot in the West.