The New Orleans Pelicans did not play great overall, but came back from being down as many as 12 to overcome the feisty Phoenix Suns on the road.
This was a sloppy game by the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns.
Both teams finished the game with at least 16 turnovers. Both teams looked lost at times on defense and let the other team find open looks at will.
However, in a game that came down to late game execution, the Pels prevailed.
After being down as much as 12 in the second quarter, New Orleans used advantageous defense and good isolation shooting to claw back slowly, but surely.
More from Pelicans News
- How will the Pelicans round out rotation without Trey Murphy III
- Why you can’t blame Brandon Ingram for all Team USA’s failures
- New Orleans Pelicans avoid potential disaster with latest injury reports
- 3 New Orleans Pelicans whose role will increase next season
- Pelicans getting the fans involved with their upcoming festival
The fourth quarter would be a dog fight until the end. Tyreke Evans and E’Twaun Moore did help keep the Pelicans afloat until the very end. Then, it would be Anthony Davis‘ time to shine.
While New Orleans missed their two final looks of the game, Davis grabbed the offensive rebound on both and got them both back into the basket. That put the Pels up one, with 40 seconds to go.
Davis would then block a shot by Eric Bledsoe and Evans got the rebound. After making one, New Orleans had one more stand to make, up two points.
Phoenix got three looks right next to the rim, yet the Pelicans dodged all of the bullets to come away with the victory.
Anthony would lead the team in points at 24, to go along with 10 rebounds and four blocks. Five Pelicans ended the game in double figures, including Jrue Holiday. Holiday finished with 18 points, eight assists and two steals.
Eric Bledsoe carried the load for Phoenix, with 37 points, five assists and three steals.
Other Observations:
- While Anthony Davis saved the Pelicans on the offensive glass late, New Orleans got torched in that category overall. Sans Davis’ two big offensive boards, the Pels lost that duel by a margin of 13-3 in the game. That’s rough. It almost cost them the game.
- Another thing that nearly swung the game was New Orleans’ reliance on the three-points. The Pelicans took 28 tonight, making just eight of their attempts. Against a team they could have attacked more in the paint, they went with their long-range game.
- Overall, this is a win. Is it a pretty win? No. Is it a win that is going to be season changing? Not at all. However, the Pelicans needed this game. After a dreadful loss to Sacramento, they needed to avoid a domino-effect of moral crushing losses before the break. This keeps the moral somewhat level, going into their final game of the week.
Next: New Orleans Pelicans Need to Keep Star Point Guard Jrue Holiday
The New Orleans Pelicans will play one final game before the All-Star Break. They will travel to Memphis to play the Grizzlies Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.