New Orleans Pelicans Grades: Pels Fall Short to Golden State Warriors
Orleans Pelicans fell short in a tough battle against the Golden State Warriors. Still, it was a much better effort in the second contest of the season.
The New Orleans Pelicans search for their first win ended in disappointment, as they lost to the Warriors 122-114. Anthony Davis once again led the way with 45 points, 17 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Pelicans also got much better production from their bench, as Tim Frazier, Lance Stephenson and Dante Cunningham eclipsed ten points on the night.
Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 30 points, while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both finished with over 20 themselves.
PG. New Orleans Pelicans. TIM FRAZIER. A. Tim Frazier continues to take full advantage of his opportunity as the starting point guard. With the Pelicans desperate to find another option outside of Anthony Davis, Frazier once again stepped up to the plate. He followed up his opening night performance with another double double. Frazier finished the game going for 20 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Tonight, Frazier went toe-to-toe with the two time MVP and outplayed him. Alas, it was not enough for the win. But, Frazier’s play to start the season has been a bright spot. In fact, his impact was evident in the 3rd quarter. when he spearheaded a charge to give New Orleans the lead. Frazier then picked up his fourth foul on a questionable call that led to a Warriors run.
C. E’twaun Moore did not play great by any means. He was hesitant on shots and got caught in bad positions, which led to turnovers and forced shots. It is evident by a long mile that Moore is the best perimeter defender the Pelicans have had in a while. His IQ on that end was on full display tonight, as he disrupted many plays with his timing and anticipation. Moore needs to do moore on offense, for the Pelicans to be competitive. Still, his defense makes him tough to take out of the lineup.. SG. New Orleans Pelicans. E'TWAUN MOORE
D. Solomon Hill followed up his disappointing start with another dud performance. His defense is good enough to keep him on the floor, but the nothing that he gives the team offensively has masked his good on that end. The Pelicans are not a good enough team to have a player give nothing on one side of the floor and at the moment, that is what Hill is providing. Even more troublesome is his one rebound. Hill does not seem like a player that is going to be a threat on the rebounds and that can be an issue that is strictly on the court for his defense. Now, there is plenty of season left, so it is not time to panic. But, Hill has done little to ease the doubters about his off-season pay day.. SF. New Orleans Pelicans. SOLOMON HILL
There was almost no way Anthony Davis could top his historic stat line from Wednesday, right? Well tonight he came very, very close. Davis followed up his ridiculous game with a 45 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Did I mention that he only had one turnover? What Davis has done to start the year has been nothing short of amazing. The Pelicans teammates have come under a lot of scrutiny for their lack of help and rightfully so. We are witnessing a Top-Five player in the NBA give it his all, at a rate of efficiency that is unmatched. Pelicans fans, appreciate this man.. PF. New Orleans Pelicans. ANTHONY DAVIS. A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
F. Omer Asik started tonight, yet only played 7 minutes and did not start the second half. It is unclear if there was some sort of injury, but the Warriors were always going to be a tough matchup for him. In his few minutes, Zaza Pachulia was running him ragged. So yeah, not a good look for Omer.. C. New Orleans Pelicans. OMER ASIK
A. Lance Stephenson continued to provide a spark off the bench. His energy and shot creating ability has been a huge need in these first two games. Lance forced some shots tonight, but it can be hardly criticized, considering the tentativeness of his other teammates. Lance finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Not bad for a guy who barley made the roster.. G/F. New Orleans Pelicans. LANCE STEPHENSON
I might catch slack for this high grade, but Cunningham did what he has done throughout his tenure in New Orleans. He played hard and did not force anything. Tonight, he proved why he continues to find ways into the rotation. He finished with 15 points and eight rebounds and two three-pointers. Cunningham started the second half and played 34 minutes, confirming he is ahead of Terrence Jones in the pecking order.. F. New Orleans Pelicans. DANTE CUNNINGHAM. B
SG. New Orleans Pelicans. BUDDY HIELD. F. Buddy has had a rough start to his NBA career. For a guy who was touted as “NBA ready”, he has looked very, very nervous. Yet to hit a three pointer in the NBA, he went 1-6 tonight and was getting lost on defense guarding Klay Thompson. His nervousness was highlighted late in the 4th, when he was wide open under the basket, but missed the catch. Given his poor defense, if Buddy is not hitting shots, he really has no value on the court right now.
PF/C. New Orleans Pelicans. TERRANCE JONES. C. Terrance Jones had flashes of good play tonight in limited minutes. Jones had a tendency to over dribble, but he made the right decision more often than not.
LANGSTON GALLOWAY. F. Langston Galloway was a tire fire tonight. Failing with an 0-7 line from the field, including 0-4 from three. His defense was sub par at best, as he was exploited on pick and rolls. The homecoming has not been off to a good start.. G. New Orleans Pelicans
Other Notes:
The Pelicans supporting cast continues to be a letdown and a subject of national ridicule. The main issue with New Orleans seems to be its lack of three point shooting threats. After shooting 15% on against Denver, New Orleans only managed to shoot 22% tonight. Role players are going to have to hit more shots for the Pelicans to carve out some wins.