The New Orleans Pelicans failed to capitalize on a Dirk Nowitzki-less game against a struggling Dallas Mavericks squad, falling 81-91 on Sunday night in Dallas.
The New Orleans Pelicans have developed a nasty habit under Alvin Gentry of playing down (or occasionally, up) to the opponent’s level of competition. Tonight, like a matchup last week with the Orlando Magic, one of the worst teams in the league got the better of the Pelicans for much of a listless night.
Without Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks were able to get enough contribution from rotation players up and down its roster to keep the game close throughout, even on a night where Anthony Davis scored 36 points.
If nights like this continue as regular occurrences, the Pelicans will have some not-so-fun decisions to make about the players and staff members that belong here long term. 16 games into another rough season, and it’s time to start looking inward.
A return to “respectability” last week should not hide what is a poorly-cobbled together group of inconsistent offensive players. The 4-12 Mavericks came back to win an ugly game. That should not happen.
Must Read: Anthony Davis named Western Conference Player of the Week
Next: What we're thankful for (Pelicans edition)
Final Observations:
- The AD-Terrence Jones frontcourt pairing isn’t working so well recently. Gentry needs to take a look at how to maximize those guys.
- Who are the best three guards to take the floor together? The Pelicans seem to like Holiday and Frazier together, but I’d like to see Moore and Galloway together with just one of those two. Defense should be better that way.
- Rebounding. Rebounding. Rebounding. Still.