New Orleans Pelicans: Grades from last night’s win over the Sacramento Kings

After one quarter of play on Saturday night things didn’t seem great for the New Orleans Pelicans.

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DeMarcus Cousins

was on fire and the Pelicans struggled to do anything offensively in a game that had very important playoff implications for New Orleans.

But things all changed after that as New Orleans started to knock down some tough jumpers and took control of the game, eventually going up 20 in the fourth quarter despite a monster effort from Cousins on their way to a 102-88 win.

Other observations: 

  • I have no idea if it was the physicality or the shoulder or just an off night but it was a nice reminder of where Anthony Davis can still improve. As he gets stronger he should be able to dominate guys like Rudy Gay in the post. Tonight that didn’t happen but luckily his teammates came through.
  • How about that Quincy Pondexter dunk on Boogie Cousins? I had no idea Q-Pon had those kind of ups.
  • Yes I am developing a basketball crush on Quincy Pondexter. No, I don’t care if you think it is weird.
  • This team is still so reliant on jumpers and tonight they went in. I don’t think Jrue Holiday helps that much either. They need to find a wing that can get to the line and help them when they don’t fall.
  • That was a big win. Coupled with a Suns loss and the Kevin Durant news the Pelicans playoff hopes live. Sunday is the next step.

Next: Mary's recap

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