Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans win a wild game, stun the Toronto Raptors 100-97

By Rick Stone

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In a game without Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday, the New Orleans Pelicans found a way to storm back for a huge victory at home against the Toronto Raptors 100-97.

After being down as many as ten in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans clawed their way back thanks to the likes of Alexis Ajinca, Luke Babbitt and Norris Cole. Cole went for a 13 point fourth quarter to help the Pelicans finish a wild game against a Raptors team held to just 41 points in the final 24 minutes.

Luke Babbitt put up 18 points to lead the Pelicans in scoring, including 4-5 from behind the three-point line. Babbitt was one of six Pelicans to score over ten points in the game. Kyle Lowry’s 22 points led all players in scoring on the night. Jonas Valanciunas and Omer Asik both had double-double games.

100. 69. Final. 97. 81

C-. <strong><a href=. SF/PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. TYREKE EVANS

C+. <a href=. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON

SF/PF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM. C+. <a href=

SF. New Orleans Pelicans. QUINCY PONDEXTER. C-. <a href=

C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK. B+. <a href=

A+. <a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. LUKE BABBITT

A-. <b><a href=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. ALEXIS AJINCA

A-. <a href=. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. NORRIS COLE

C. New Orleans Pelicans. JEFF WITHEY. C+. <a href=

Other Observations:

  • The big stat out of the first half was the free-throw differential. While the Pelicans only attempted four free-throws in the first 24 minutes, the Raptors got to the line for 16 free-throw attempts. Just too many fouls from the Pelicans early dug them a big hole to get out of. Luckily for them tonight, they found a way.
  • Jimmer Fredette has played a total of about two seconds since Norris Cole became available to the Pelicans. The only time he came into the game was for free-throw shooting to extend the lead very late in the game. This can’t be good news for a kid who was having some success throughout the season. Tough situation.
  • The Pelicans have to take care of the ball if they want to win games without three of their best players. New Orleans chalked up 17 turnovers in a close game where taking care of the ball had to be of vital importance. Even with the victory, the Pelicans have to look at how to improve. That’s a stat they could really improve on.
  • The Pelicans bench dominated the Raptors bench as far as stats go. New Orleans outscored Toronto’s bench 55-21. They outrebounded Toronto 19-9. They commanded the game. A big reason as to why the Pelicans came out of this game victorious.
  • New Orleans will look to build on their two game win streak against the Eastern Conference as they go against the Brooklyn Nets at home Wednesday. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.

As far as recapping this game in one sentence, I think this will do it…..

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