Nov 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) guards New Orleans Pelicans guard Lance Stephenson (5) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
The New Orleans Pelicans had a chance to beat the Memphis Grizzlies, yet poor offensive execution earned them their fifth straight loss of the season.
The New Orleans Pelicans squandered a great chance at the first win of the season, in a 89-83 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
It was a tale of two different Pelicans teams tonight. The first and third quarters were a disaster, as New Orleans were outscored 46-24.
The second and fourth quarters became the bright spot, as the Pelicans outscored Memphis 51-29.
The Pelicans had their best quarter of the season tonight, scoring 35 points in the second quarter. However, the overtime became their downfall, giving up 14 points in just five minutes.
It was a painful night for Anthony Davis. Davis scored just 10 points to go with seven rebounds and three blocks. The Grizzlies gameplanned against Davis all night, cutting off his lanes to the basket and physically grinding him all game.
The team was lead by Lance Stephenson, Buddy Hieldand Langston Galloway. Stephenson put up 21 points to lead the team. He added six assists and four rebounds to his box score. Galloway and Hield scored 18 points a piece to finish right behind Lance.
Omer Asikwas also fantastic, grabbing 11 rebounds and giving Marc Gasol problems all night.
Due to their fantastic performance, the Pelicans bench became the staple of their team tonight. However, when Head Coach Alvin Gentrywent with them late and into overtime, the lack of offensive execution and defensive switching became the team’s Achilles Heel.
New Orleans is now 0-5 to start the year. As a result, panic is growing more and more with each and every loss.
Other Observations:
The Pelicans turned the ball over 21 times tonight, which goes against one of the biggest keys for this team’s offense. They have been known as one of the best ball-handling teams so far. Tonight was a different story.
The star of the night for Memphis was JaMychal Green, who put up 21 points and six rebounds. On a team that usually relies heavily on Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, the youngster stole the spotlight.
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a very tough spot early into the season. With an 0-5 start, the panic will fully set in all over the NBA spectrum. While the job security of many involved in New Orleans will be questioned, the team needs to focus on whoever they are playing next and avoid the noise. This is a young team that has players who can develop into key pieces going forward long-term. Their progress in the NBA should not be thrown in the back seat because of drama.
The New Orleans Pelicans will head back home Friday night to play the Phoenix Suns, in search of their first win of the year. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.