Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans Grades: Pelicans lose a sloppy game

By Nathan Heck

Jan 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after diving out of bounds during the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after diving out of bounds during the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Orleans Pelicans came up short in a sloppy game against the Indiana Pacers.

In the preview of this contest, it was stated that the New Orleans Pelicans would need to limit Paul George and Monta Ellis to win this game. The Pelicans did just that, but it wasn’t enough. In one of the sloppiest games of basketball anyone will ever watch, the Pelicans choked late to give the game up to Indiana. The final possession was a fitting end as Eric Gordon airballed a potential game-tying three pointer.

Alvin Gentry asked for more effort, and it was apparent from opening tip that the players were willing to give it. Anthony Davis dove into the floor seats early in the first quarter to save a loose ball. It was a great effort play, but it also cost the team dearly. Davis left the game with a back contusion and did not return.

91. 100. 86. 69. Final

A-. <a rel=. PG/SG/SF. New Orleans Pelicans. TYREKE EVANS

D+. Eric Gordon was ice cold on Friday night. His misses strung together, culminating in an airball on a potential game-tying three pointer. Gordon did add three assists, but it was not a pretty night for Eric Gordon.. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON

B. <a rel=. SF/PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM

PF/C. New Orleans Pelicans. ANTHONY DAVIS. Inc. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis left the game early in the first quarter due to a back contusion and did not return.

<a rel=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK. D+

C+. <a rel=. PF. New Orleans Pelicans. RYAN ANDERSON

<a rel=. PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. JRUE HOLIDAY. B+

PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. NORRIS COLE. F. <a rel=

SF. New Orleans Pelicans. ALONZO GEE. Inc. <a rel=

C. Alexis Ajinca played extended minutes due to Davis’ injury, and he played reasonably well for a guy who’s barely played lately. Pulling in 12 rebounds, Ajinca was effective on the glass, but he struggled offensively, shooting just two of seven. His defense down the stretch was notably poor, but he was able to stay out of foul trouble, so that is an improvement.. C. New Orleans Pelicans. ALEXIS AJINCA

Next: Awards

Other observations:

  • The Pelicans failed to take advantage of their 21 steals, which is a franchise record. If a few more shots would have fallen, this could have easily been a win.
  • The effort, something noticeably lacking on Wednesday, was there on Friday night. The Pelicans simply could not execute down the stretch.
  • The Pelicans have a habit of taking an early lead only to give it up. One day, they will learn to keep the pedal down.
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