New Orleans Pelicans Awards: Pelicans hold off Charlotte Hornets 109-107
The New Orleans Pelicans returned home after beating the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. They would get their homestead going tonight against their former namesake the Charlotte Hornets. This was a game of runs all the way to the very end as it would come down to the final possession. However breaking away from the norm this season, the Pelicans executed tremendously down the stretch on both ends to secure a 109-107 win. The Pelicans were spearheaded by their front court duo of Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis who combined for 54 points. It was a well deserved win and a good way to get the homestead started on a positive note. Here are the awards from tonight’s match up
MVP: Anthony Davis
Make no mistake about it, Davis did not have the best individual numbers on the team tonight but their is no debate that this is a completely different team with him on the floor. Davis finished with 22 points on only 14 shots, and while he only got two blocks, he was forcing a number of tough shots from the Hornets. On the offensive end Davis opens up so much for other players purely off the attention he draws. Davis will have many better statistical days then tonight but his influence in all areas of the team have been evident the last two games and for that on top of his efficacy he deserves MVP honors.
LVP: Cody Zeller
Cody Zeller just never got into the game, he had a couple of good looks from mid range which he failed to convert. His defense was abysmal tonight, as he constantly would get lost on Ryan Anderson and concede open looks or the Pelicans would run pick and roll at him and he would have no answer. Frank Kaminsky’s defense was just as bad but at least he was hitting shots on the other end, which is likely why Zeller was sitting late.
X-Factor: Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson was on fire all game and was single handily carrying the Pelicans in the first half. He hit 5 threes in the first half and his hot start would carry over to the second half as Ryno would make a contested fade away three at the buzzer to close out the 3rd quarter. Without Anderson’s hot shooting it is unlikely the Pelicans go into halftime with an advantage as the rest of the team was struggling to find their shot. Anderson also contributed 8 rebounds, including two offensive, tonight was a reminder of why Ryno is such a coveted asset.
Turning Point: Jrue Holiday terrific 4th quarter
Jrue Holiday was struggling for most of the game, save for when it mattered most as he chipped in 9 points and three assist in the games final quarter to provide a huge lift down the stretch.
Defining Moment: Anthony Davis alley oop FOR THE WIN
The New Orleans Pelicans had the ball with 19 seconds and dribbled out some clock, AD would set a pick and roll to the basket as Jrue Holiday drew two defenders onto him, Jeremy Lin who was supposed to be the last line of help was making sure to cover Eric Gordon for three and the result was a routine alley oop for Anthony Davis. It was a simple play but it was an example of why guarding the finishing five can be so difficult.
That was… Great Execution
Something that Pelicans fans have not been used to seeing late in games is good execution. Tonight that was not the case, the ball was moving and the Pelicans were getting good shots the majority of the 4th. On the defensive end the Pelicans started trapping and it really threw the Hornets off a bit as the Pelicans were forcing turnovers and bad shots. Even the shots Charlotte made down the stretch were well contested and just a result of good offense. It was truly refreshing to see the Pelicans play well in a 4th quarter and it will be interesting to see if they can keep it up Monday against the Grizzlies.