The New Orleans Pelicans have been battered with inconsistent and unpredictable play throughout the early stages of the season. They’re also a team that plays with a mentality of a 60 win team. That constitutes a squad sometimes capable of playing down to their competition. Sound familiar? Friday night proved to be different as NOLA polished off their most dominant victory of the young season.
What we liked:
After starting out back to back games facing double digit deficits, the Pelicans started off strong. New Orleans finished the first quarter up 12 in early season fashion. They never looked back, leading in double digits the rest of the way. For team that often makes situations difficult for themselves, NOLA took care of business tonight.
What we didn’t like:
DeMarcus Cousins playing 30 minutes.
There’s not much to not like about the Pelicans tonight. It also may be petty to suggest Boogie playing 30 minutes is something not to like.
But with New Orleans up 30 multiple occasions in the third, he may have deserved an even more extended rest.
When it was over: When wasn’t it?
New Orleans utterly dominated the Suns from the moment they got into a groove in the first quarter. Devin Booker, a known Pelican killer finishing with 13 points tells you all you need to know.
Takeaways:
1: Defense!
New Orleans often has struggled with communication and effort defensively. NOLA has often been a recovery matchup for teams struggling to shoot. Tonight may have been their most impressive performance after a good 2nd half stretch against San Antonio. New Orleans held Phoenix to a paltry 10% from three. We’ll easily take more of that.
2: Darius “Reggie” Miller
Darius Miller is a story not many outside of New Orleans are talking about. After a strong stretch of play Miller finished Friday with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
He even threw in a 4 point play
💰💰💰
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 25, 2017
And just like that, @DmillerKY has 10 points, is 3/4 from downtown. #DoItBig https://t.co/z7NyC6jQz8
Miller has become an important role player for NOLA. If he continues his resurgence, NOLA will become more than just a scary opposition.
3: Players get rest before a back to back.
Both Golden State and New Orleans play tonight. New Orleans seemed eager to get the most rest. In a season with not many back to backs any advantage is essential. NOLA could make a national statement win beating Golden State tomorrow. Not having their three top-10 minute leaders play deep into the fourth quarter is a good start.
Next: The New Orleans Pelicans major jumps and major falls in league rankings
Up Next:
Golden State 11/25
Some may be thinking revenge from the loss NOLA took early in the season to the Warriors. The Pelicans instead have a chance to win their fourth straight Saturday. New Orleans had a different coach and a beardless Anthony Davis last time that happened. The litmus test is among us. Stay Tuned!