In what felt like a playoff game, the New Orleans Pelicans ended up on the losing side, falling to 0-2 for the third straight season. The game had it’s highs and lows but NOLA ultimately lost steam and couldn’t capitalize on the momentum it built early in the first half.
What we liked:
New Orleans gave Golden State all they could ask for. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins put up a combined 70 points, 30 rebounds, and 10 assists. Against most teams that’ll be enough to win, against one of the greatest NBA teams ever created, not so much. If New Orleans can play this way most nights with a little help, this is a playoff team. The question remains if they can actually perform in that manner every night.
What we didn’t like:
With a team that possesses the two best big men in basketball, the Pelicans decided to get into a shooting contest with Golden State. Mid third quarter, that changed, they ran more sets with either DeMarcus Cousins inside and Anthony Davis outside or vice versa. However, the separation that they once had early in the game was squandered by halftime. It was too late to impose their will on Golden State inside who, when down by double figures, had New Orleans playing their uptempo game.
When it was over:
When Steph Curry hit a three with 1:10 left in the fourth quarter to bring the Pelicans deficit from five to eight. This was almost a minute after Klay Thompson, with 2:28 left, hit a three to create the same deficit.
Takeaways:
1. The bench mob?
After only scoring 8 points in Memphis as a bench, the Pelicans “erupted”, scoring 31 points and 23 in the first half alone. Jordan Crawford and Ian Clark led the bunch by scoring 13, and 14 points respectively.
Unfortunately, neither had many looks inside and mainly scored off of jump shots. While very impressive, unless you wear a Warriors jersey, that’s a difficult pattern to repeat night in and night out. Hopefully, the bench can continue to perform with a similar gusto and keep some pressure off of AD and Boogie.
2. Jrue Holiday
Another game, another questionable performance by Jrue Holiday. Jrue started the game off fantastically but only ended up with 13 points (five in the second half). If the Pelicans are to be taken seriously he MUST show up for games like these.
3. Tempo?
The Pelicans annoyingly seemed to play into the Warriors’ hands, shooting fast-paced jump shots for most of the game. Even while up double digits, they never seemed to be playing their game. It felt like it was only a matter of time before Golden State took over, and it was.
Next: Is Alvin Gentry The Right Man For The New Orleans Pelicans?
Up Next:
The Pelicans travel to Los Angeles Sunday and face the Lakers, looking for their first victory. If all fails, we will all have LaVar Ball for entertainment.