The New Orleans Pelicans played another entertaining game against the Golden State Warriors. All fun aside, the Pelicans still ended up a tad bit short. Playing the best team in the NBA without your star player is ideal for no one. It’s hard to even criticize New Orleans. However, no matter the team or circumstance, NOLA had opportunities to win this game. They deserve praise for their effort, execution, and fight. But inconsistency still reared it’s head, thank god this was only game 26.
What we liked:
The resilience
In both of the previous games against Golden State New Orleans got off to big leads. Tonight was no different as NOLA got off to an early double digit lead. The issue, however, had been their response to Golden State, a team famously known for their electric runs.
This game surprisingly, NOLA was able to answer the Warriors time after time. Though they didn’t end up with a victory, it was impressive to see them be repeatedly resilient. And oh yeah, they did this without Anthony Davis.
What we didn’t like:
The Pace
The Pelicans weren’t able to dictate a change of pace. Like in previous matchups, even when NOLA gained a lead, the game was uptempo. That plays into the Warriors hands, and with their shooters, they are never out of any contest.
The Pelicans eventually became sloppy, and weren’t able to match the elite shooting of Golden State.
When it was over:
When Steph Curry nailed two free throws with 1:14 left.
The ending of this game was slightly odd. Steph Curry eventually left with a turned ankle.
Boogie Cousins and Kevin Durant were both ejected late after exchanging Christmas lists. But before the injury, Curry nailed two free throws to build a ten point lead. That ultimately was the nail in the coffin for the Pelicans.
Takeaways:
1. Pelicans replace AD’s production in a plethora of ways.
Most may have expected DeMarcus Cousins to have another career night. The Warriors had other plans as they forced him to be more of a facilitator. While still having a great game almost finishing with a triple double, Cousins only finished with 19 points.
Rajon Rondo provided his third straight double double. E’Twuan Moore poured in 27, and whether it was Dante Cunningham or Darius Miller, the rest of the role players showed up. Omer Asik provided some good minutes as well.
No performance was more impressive than our next takeaway however.
2. Jrue Holiday was phenomenal.
Jrue Holiday is often a mixed bag. Other than defense it’s sometimes unclear when Holiday will show up. Since Rondo’s return however, we’ve mainly seen an aggressive Jrue Holiday.
Without AD, New Orleans badly needed aggressive Holiday to show again. He did, and then some. Holiday finished with one of his best games of the season. Now if only we can get aggressive Jrue more when the Pels are at full strength.
3.Another big lead against the Warriors wasted.
We all know the Warriors are never out of a game. However, anytime you lose three straight games when, at one point, being up big, it has to leave a bad taste in a teams mouth. Monday marked the third time this season NOLA failed to maintain momentum against Golden State. This could be a potential playoff matchup.
We should all hope the Pels learn their lesson.
Next: Davis Listed As Day-To-Day
Up Next: Denver 12/6
After being trounced by Denver in their last matchup, you can bet New Orleans wants revenge. The Pelicans should be battling Denver for playoff position before season’s end. Paul Milsap is out, and Nikola Jokic is currently nursing a sore ankle. Sounds like a must win for the Pelicans with or without AD.
Stay tuned!