The New Orleans Pelicans finally got into the win column Sunday night in what was a very uneven performance against the Lakers. The 119-112 victory saw New Orleans up by as much as 22, and by the fourth quarter down by as much as 5. However, for this team, a win is a win. With this, there are both positives and negatives that come about.
What we liked:
The Pelicans role players closed out a win for them late. In a game where DeMarcus Cousins looked frustrated all night with officiating, and the Pelicans struggling getting AD the basketball down low late, help was needed. Insert E’Twaun Moore and new addition Jameer Nelson into the equation and you apparently have gold.
Moore and Nelson both hit multiple big shots, and made even bigger plays to not only keep New Orleans in it, but later ice the game. 12 of the Pelicans final16 points were scored by players not named Davis or Cousins, which is a refreshing sight for a team with question marks about their surrounding parts.
What we didn’t like:
The Pels again struggled to keep their feet on the opponents’ neck once leading big. After scoring 30 first quarter points for the third straight game, they again got away from what gave them a lead.
Lack of ball movement, bad shot selection, and terrible decisions crept it’s way back into the offense and soon the defense followed with bad transition ‘D’ and communication. It’s imperative they find a way to focus for a complete game of basketball.
When it was over:
When Jameer Nelson nailed a clutch deep three with 1:26 left to put the Pelicans up 7.
Takeaways
1. Supporting Cast Delievers
Through the first two games New Orleans was marred with inconsistent play. Though the stars were able to deliver, the role players were hit or miss. Midway through the fourth quarter that pattern seemed as if it would continue.
For most of the game the best shot on the floor for the Pelicans was the open one. New Orleans was able to win without either of their star big men scoring 30, and had three others score in double figures. If NOLA can have similar performances on the road consistently, they’ll be able to fix their woes from last season.
2. Jameer Nelson is the hero we all needed
When the Pelicans signed Jameer Nelson they knew what they were getting; Leadership, grit,and a clutch ball handler that was needed with Rondo out. It’s clear even once he returns Nelson will play an important part in the backcourt rotation. For the point guard, there weren’t many rushed shots, over dribbling, or isolation heaves.
Instead you saw a savvy wavy veteran who let the game come to him. And when it was time to deliver, he did. Having Nelson close the game with the starters shows the confidence coach Alvin Gentry has in him. The box score may not jump out at you, but those 5 points and 5 assists were crucial. Especially when the guy barely made it in time for meetings.
3. The team showed some heart
This team knew they couldn’t afford to go 0-3 for the 3rd time in as many years. Down by 5 with 5:16 left the Pels sharpened their efforts on both ends and went on a 14-2 run to close out the young energetic Lakers. It may not have been pretty, but it would have been easier for them to cave into the electric crowd and momentum the Lakers had built. Instead, they banded together and found a way to pull things out. That’s what the good teams find a way to always do.
Up Next:
The Pelicans get Monday off and travel to Portland to face a 2-1 Blazers team. Portland is a tough place to play for any team but, for New Orleans, “tough place” is an understatement. The Pelicans, since 2010, have only beaten the Blazers twice on the road. They have a chance to change recent history, win their second straight, and make a subtle early season statement.
Next: Jameer Nelson Agrees To 1-Year Deal With Pelicans
Stay tuned!