New Orleans Pelicans player grades: Pelicans Stun Spurs 104-90
The New Orleans Pelicans were not supposed to have a chance on Friday. It turns out they had much more. Grades from the improbable win.
The New Orleans Pelicans came into Friday needing a win in the worst way, sitting at 1-11 with the Spurs coming into town. They were able to stun the Spurs 104-90 in what was their most complete effort of the season. Holding the Spurs to 90 points is quite an accomplish and hopefully the Pelicans can build on this effort going forward. Anthony Davis was superb grabbing 18 rebounds and chipping in 20 points. However this win was highlighted by two players off the bench.
104. 69. Final. 90. 29
B. The minute restriction appears to affect <strong><a href=. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. JRUE HOLIDAY
C-. <strong><a href=. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON
<strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. ALONZO GEE. B-
<strong><a rel=. PF. New Orleans Pelicans. ANTHONY DAVIS. A-
C-. <strong><a href=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK
A+. <strong><a href=. PF. New Orleans. RYAN ANDERSON
ISH SMITH. A+. Just as Anderson was the difference in the first half, Ish was in the second half. He constantly got dribble penetration and found open shooters or Anthony Davis on the roll. Ish appears to have become really comfortable with the offense and with the way he has been playing I’m not sure how you take him out of the rotation.. PG. New Orleans Pelicans
C-. <strong><a href=. PF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
B. Ajinca always has a couple of plays on offense where he looks really good but it’s largely overshadowed by poor defensive rotations and silly fouls. Today was no different but it is still surprising to see him and Asik both get so little minutes.. C. New Orleans. ALEXIS AJINCA
TONY DOUGLAS. D. Missed all of shots and failed to make any real impact. Douglas looks to be the odd man out when all the guards get healthy.. PG. New Orleans Pelicans
Other Observations:
- This was the most complete effort of the season for the Pelicans. The defense was actually really good and finally appears to have turned the corner after their horrific start.
- New Orleans paid big money to their centers this offseason yet they both combined for 22 minutes a piece. Neither played exceptionally bad and its possible that the lack of minutes was due to Anderson’s big night but the lack of minutes is still quite alarming.
- The Pelicans have now won four out of their last five against San Antonio which is a very impressive feat. Also Pelicans move to 2-1 in the division ( got to find the positives!)
- THE PELICANS HELD THE SPURS TO 90 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Finally the Pelicans have looked like the team we envisioned at the start of the season in these last two games and if they can put it together with Tyreke Evans returning it will bode well for their rise in the Western Conference
The Pelicans have a good chance for a win at home against the Suns on Sunday.