New Orleans Pelicans grades: Pelicans falter late and fall to Bulls 98-94
The New Orleans Pelicans had a chance on the second night of a back-to-back but couldn’t stop Aaron Brooks and fell 98-94.
The New Orleans Pelicans need to find a way to steal a few wins in games that many people would deem schedule losses in the upcoming weeks if they want any chance of making the playoffs. They had a chance to do that on Saturday night in Chicago after jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first half. Ultimately though, tired legs and not enough perimeter defense did them in and they fell 98-94.
98. 24. 94. 69. Final
D. The problem with <strong><a href=. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON
22 points on 22 shots is not good. Eight assists to no turnovers is. Dribbling the ball three times while down four in the closing seconds and throwing away any possible chance to tie or win the game is just stupid. That was <strong><a href=. SF/PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans. TYREKE EVANS. C
C. There were moments where <strong><a href=. PF/C. New Orleans Pelicans. ANTHONY DAVIS
C. <strong><a href=. C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK
PG. New Orleans Pelicans. ISH SMITH. B. <strong><a href=
C. It was a rough night for <strong><a href=. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
New Orleans Pelicans. ALEXIS AJINCA. A. <strong><a href=. C
A-. Missed you big Perk. . C. New Orleans Pelicans. KENDRICK PERKINS
B. <strong><a href=. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. NORRIS COLE
Other observations:
- The Pelicans need to stop playing Anthony Davis so much. A night after playing 39 minutes he played 42 and he is now averaging 38.8 minutes per game in December. For a team that isn’t winning a title this season that is way too many. Davis should be closer to the 36 minute mark which will not overwhelm him and add additional miles he body may not be able to handle this year.
- I’m not sure the Tyreke Evans/Alvin Gentry pairing will last. Again Evans pounded the ball into the hardwood and took tough contested jumpers instead of moving the ball and the offense just isn’t as good when that happens.
- The worst thing Evans did tonight was the final possession when he seemingly was ok with losing. It was bizarre to watch and such a low basketball IQ play. The Pelicans needed to get something up to the rim quick. By the time Evans got the ball on the way there any slim chance the Pelicans had to win was gone.
- We are creeping closer and closer to Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon trade rumors. At some point the hole becomes too big to dig out of.
The Pelicans return to action on Monday in Portland.