New Orleans Pelicans Grades: Pelicans Lose to Toronto Raptors
By Brandon Suir
The New Orleans Pelicans could not overcome their own offensive woes, as they fell short against the Toronto Raptors at home.
Not much to say regarding another heartbreaking loss for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Toronto is prime to complete against the likes of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. They are a strong playoff team. This was a solid test of where the Pelicans stand moving forward.
However, after a strong start and leading at halftime, the Pelicans fell once again. Their woeful offense put up just 41 points in the second half, leading to their downfall.
New Orleans is now 2-6 with DeMarcus Cousins in the lineup. Still, some solid performances in Wednesday night’s 94-87 loss. Let’s look at the grades for the four stars of the Pelicans.
Final. 94. 81. 87. 69
Solid performance from DeMarcus Cousins last night. Easily the best on the team. Going 8-23 for 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists helped his team keep this game close. He was strong in the paint, not allowing any easy lanes. Boggie really can do it all. That’s why the Pelicans are so fortunate to have obtained him for the price they did.. C. . DEMARCUS COUSINS. B+
C-. New Orleans Pelicans fan’s biggest fear every season is the question of “Will” and “When” Anthony Davis will get injured. Last night, Davis left the game in the 4th quarter with an apparent wrist injury. But before that, the game just did not seem to be going his way. Davis went 2-4 for seven points and seemed to have no answer for Serge Ibaka or Jonas Valanciunas, in the time he had to guard him.. PF. . ANTHONY DAVIS
C. Which type of Jrue Holiday will show up is becoming a major question for the Pelicans. More often than not, Pels fans get a strong showing. But last night was not the case. Playing 32 minutes, Holiday went 3-9 from the field for seven points and six assists. The Pelicans sorely need him to step up and be that floor general every night. That facilitator that allows Cousins and Davis to create those mismatches easy and effectively. That was not the Jrue New Orleans got in this game.. PG. . JRUE HOLIDAY
B. The best player outside the big three is one of the newest additions. Many Pelicans fans were curious to see if veteran Jordan Crawford could add some much needed help off the bench. He did not disappoint in his first outing in New Orleans. He played 26 minutes, going 2-4 for 10 points, to go along with three rebounds and three assists. Crawford looks to be a solid role player for the Pelicans moving forward. He will certainly add depth to their lackluster bench.. SG. . JORDAN CRAWFORD
Next: New Orleans Pelicans Sign Wayne Selden Jr to 10-Day Contract
What’s Next
The New Orleans Pelicans will head back on the road for a game Saturday night in Charlotte. They will play against the Hornets. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CST.