Pelicans Player Grades: New Orleans Pelicans run out of gas against Atlanta Hawks
By Rick Stone
The New Orleans Pelicans got going early against the Atlanta Hawks, entering halftime with a nine point lead.
However, the Hawks found their rhythm late in the game while the Pelicans ran out of gas. New Orleans scored 42 points in the final two quarters of play compared to 59 points from Atlanta in a 106-98 loss. Eric Gordon did his part to lead the charge in scoring with 26 points on 10-20 shooting.
The Pelicans could not stop Al Horford for the Hawks, who had 26 points on 11-15 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three blocks. This game now pushes the Pelicans to a 1-7 record to start the year, mostly due to massive injuries that included Anthony Davis in Wednesday’s game.
125. 98. 69. Final. 106
New Orleans Pelicans. ISH SMITH. A. <strong><a href=. SF
A-. <strong><a href=. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON
B-. <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. LUKE BABBITT
A-. <strong><a href=. PF/SF. New Orleans Pelicans. RYAN ANDERSON
A-. <b><a href=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK
C+. <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
C. <strong><a href=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. ALEXIS AJINCA
ALONZO GEE. C. <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans
C+. <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. TONEY DOUGLAS
Other Observations:
- The New Orleans Pelicans could not miss from behind-the-arc to start the game. New Orleans started the first half on fire, including going 11-18 from behind the three-point arc, helping them off to a nine-point lead in the game. However, the Pelicans finished the game 14-29 from behind the arc. 3-11 in the second half was not promising
- Something that went very much as expected was the turnovers. The Pelicans reserves really struggled to hold onto the ball, turning the ball over 19 times compared to 13 turnovers from the Atlanta Hawks.
- The Pelicans forced a lot tonight, and the Hawks took full advantage, finishing the game with ten steals and seven blocks, resulting in a lot of missed opportunities for New Orleans.
- When Omer Asik was not on the floor, the paint defense was once again a weak point. The Hawks finished the game with 50 of their 106 total points scored in the paint. The presence of AD and a healthy core of bigs is continuing to be a massive problem.
- This game was more so a schedule loss than anything else. Sure, New Orleans ran out of gas at the end, however their fight in this game that was already seen as a loss by many is a really encouraging sign going forward.
Next: The awards for the night
The New Orleans Pelicans will have a few days off before traveling up north to Toronto to play the Raptors Friday. Tip is scheduled for 6:30 PM CST.