Player Grades: New Orleans Pelicans lose in double-overtime to the Memphis Grizzlies

Dec 5, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) and guard Andrew Harrison (5) during a second overtime quarter in a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Pelicans 110-108 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) and guard Andrew Harrison (5) during a second overtime quarter in a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Pelicans 110-108 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans lost in a double-overtime thriller that should’ve been put away at the end of regulation, but was extended due to big plays from Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol, Tony Allen and Troy Daniels. 

The New Orleans Pelicans held three point leads with less than a minute to go twice Monday night.

Neither ended up holding and the Pelicans ran out of gas in double overtime to the Memphis Grizzlies 110-108.

It’s the third straight loss for New Orleans, who left the Smoothie King Center gassed and disappointed that 58 minutes of basketball did not end with a victory.

The New Orleans Pelicans continue to struggle hitting open shots, making layups at the rim, rebounding and getting set into their plays. The Pels also failed to execute the offense effectively multiple times down the stretch.

Players lined up on the wrong side of the court that stagnated ball movement and often letting the ball not touch Anthony Davis‘ hands down the stretch. Too many mistakes cost New Orleans what could have been an easy W.

With Jrue Holiday and E’Twaun Moore sitting out due to minor injuries, the surely missed their veteran presence on the court. It is easy understand the frustration that Coach Alvin Gentry and his staff have at this moment.

Other Observations:

This team still has needs to be filled and assumptions that can be drawn. They are the following:

  • This game made you appreciate the return of Jrue Holiday even more.
  • Dell has to look into acquiring an athletic big next to AD.
  • Should the scheme be tweaked a bit?

The New Orleans Pelicans will get a chance at a motivational win Thursday night at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.