New Orleans Pelicans Wrap-Up: Pelicans Lose Turnover Battle Versus Mavericks

The New Orleans Pelicans lost the turnover battle in their most recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, costing them the game.

It seemed like head coach Alvin Gentry has been quoted at least a dozen times saying “We’ve got to make better decisions.” It could not have been more apparent than tonight, as the New Orleans Pelicans lost a heart breaker to the Dallas Mavericks 96-83.

While there were a few positives to take away from this game, more went wrong than right. Watching Harrison Barnes is a very frustrating thing for a Pelicans fan.

If it is not already clear, the small forward position is a problem in New Orleans.

The Pelicans signed Jarrett Jack, Hollis Thompson and Reggie Williams to 10 day contracts. None of them did much to impact the game. It does not help that Solomon Hill played 36 minutes and went 1-4 from the field, with just four rebounds. Despite the rough start, New Orleans maintained the lead until two and a half minutes into the second quarter.

Anthony Davis started off quick, putting up 12 points and 7 rebounds in the first quarter. He would eventually in the half going 9 for 16 with 18 points. The chemistry between Davis and DeMarcus Cousins has been apparent very quickly. Davis ended the night with 39 points, while Boogie had 15 rebounds. Fans had to have loved that lob pass from Davis to Boogie, off the pick and roll. It is fortunate for the Pelicans, as they seem to offer nothing more outside of Jrue Holiday.

Holiday, Davis and Cousins combined for 45 of the Pelicans’ 49 points in the first half. Take a pause if you need to read it again, because yes it is that bad. New Orleans once again received no help off the bench.

Pelicans’ managed to outscore the Mavericks 16-4 on fast break points and net more rebounds. However, that is about the only thing that went well in Saturday night’s contest. Things would start to unravel in the second half.

The Pelicans shot a lowly 39% from the field and made five out of 24 three-point attempts. The Pelicans only put up 34 points in the second half, comparing to 39 from the Mavericks.

Next: Preview of Tonight's Battle Between the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder

But the real back breaker of the game was 20 turnovers, which led to 22 points for the Mavericks. Remember earlier Gentry saying over and over about making better decisions? This is it. While the poor performance from the bench certainly does not help, the turnovers are killing this New Orleans Pelicans team. Only so much can be done by two of the top scorers in the league.