New Orleans Pelicans Grades: A Win in Sacto
The New Orleans Pelicans won a decisive one in Sacramento tonight. Everyone seemed to pitch in, and the team led by almost 30 at one point before securing a twelve point victory.
84. 109. 69. Final. 97
B-. Jrue was the only one who failed to get in on the fun tonight. He had an abysmal shooting night, and apart from a nice lob to Gee in the third, was probably the least fun part of the game. Rajon Rondo scored 17 points tonight as well. Not great, Jrue.. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. JRUE HOLIDAY
A. Tonight, Gordon settled into the role he’s best in, and it seemed to have a positive effect on the team. He was a +22, and his three third quarter threes helped put the game away. . SG. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON
INC. Hard to pin too much on Reke, who left early with swelling in his right knee. However, arguably the best win of the season coming without a significant contribution from the starting point guard is disheartening, at the very least.. PG. New Orleans Pelicans. TYREKE EVANS
ANTHONY DAVIS. B+. Not bad for a game back from injury. He was less efficient than one might have hoped, but added a three pointer early to build momentum and the lead and helped keep Boogie in check throughout the first half. . PF/C. New Orleans Pelicans
B. The revolution will be televised (on FSNO). Asik is earning that dough the past few weeks. He has genuinely been a force on the interior of late. As I said on Twitter tonight, reducing the number of things that AD is best at on the team should be a major goal in building the Pelicans’ rotation. If Asik can rebound, that is one less thing that AD HAS to do in order for the team to succeed. . C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK
A-. Ryan Anderson is a magic man. A sorcerer. A male witch. I’ve yet to find the correct noun which encapsulates the kind of shotmaking he brings every night. They’re never going to go in, until they do. Tonight, they really did. Anderson put the game out of the reach after the Kings briefly brought the lead back to single digits in the third. . PF/SF. New Orleans Pelicans. RYAN ANDERSON
B. The two first quarter threes and solid defense are more than Gee can be counted on for, and literally all the team needs from it’s starting small forward position for now. If Cunningham can keep it up, the team will improve. . SF. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
NORRIS COLE. B. Cole squirreled his way into a net positive tonight. His defense was at times lackadaisical, allowing Rondo to get loose for his big scoring night, but his pick and roll game was solid, even though he benefitted from unsustainable pull up shooting. . PG/SG. New Orleans Pelicans
Ajinca was given very few opportunities tonight, as his place in the rotation seems to have been cemented until he demonstrates offensive fit and defensive aptitude. His rim protection was solid, so he earns a decent grade, as he didn’t negate any of the positives his teammates provided. . C. New Orleans Pelicans. ALEXIS AJINCA. C+
A lob and a three are solid as part of a wing rotation. The days of Gee getting thirty-something minutes a night appear over, thank the basketball gods. If he can get out on the break, make his open looks, and defend, he’ll continue to help the Pelicans win basketball games.. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. ALONZO GEE. B
Next: Why Omer Asik has been better
Observations: The team defense in the first half was real. It was important to show what can happen when Asik is locked in, Holiday plays with the starters, and Cunningham is in over Gee.
Davis needs to improve his pull-up game. Some of the offense’s best looks come after running AD through off-ball picks, curling through the paint, or establishing deep post position. However, if he was able to give himself another option besides drive or spot up, his physical advantage would be Durant-levels of terrifying from the midrange in.
While we at Pelican Debrief wish no ill will on any basketball players, the Reke injury will be an interesting test for the team. Jrue will get his starting spot back, Cole will likely see an increased role, and the offense will look a lot different. Definitely worth monitoring.