The New Orleans Pelicans absolutely could not afford to lose Friday. They played like it, in what amounted to a 111-97 blowout. On the first night of a back to back, the good Pelicans showed their faces. Facing an injury-riddled Magic team, they had zero excuses for a letdown.
What we liked: The defense
The Pelicans didn’t play perfect defense, but for the Pelicans tonight almost felt like it. NOLA doesn’t often hold teams to under 100 points. They also held Orlando to 15.8 percent shooting from three. It’s almost like they heard Jrue Holiday’s comments about defense in the pre-game.
What we didn’t like:
E’Twuan Moore’s slump continuing.
E’Twuan Moore has been one of NOLA’s most important role players this season. His shooting and finishing around the rim have been crucial. Moore, for the first time since the beginning of the season, went back to back games without a three-pointer. Though he made two tonight, he curiously only played 21 minutes. The Pelicans decided to go with more traditional small forwards to matchup with Orlando. One would assume this is temporary but we’ve seen Alvin Gentry tinker with the rotation before. This could be nothing or a growing development.
When it was over:
When the Pelicans went up 105-78 with 7:48 left.
Most Pelicans games have come down to the final minutes. An undermanned Magic team gave them a rare scenario Friday…..rest. While leading by 25 the Pelicans were able to out their starters with 6 minutes remaining. With a matchup in Miami looming, NOLA could use the rest.
Takeaways:
1: Pels go big!
The E’Twuan Moore experience has had its highs and lows. Either way, it was surprising to see both Dante Cunningham and Darius Miller have similar minute totals. They both played some garbage time, but it’ll be interesting to see if a bigger lineup is in store pending the matchup.
2. The “big 3” delivers again
Jrue Holiday looks hell-bent on changing the story of his season. As of late, Jrue Holiday has been just as imposing as DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Jrue continued to improve his three-point shooting finishing three for six. Holiday was also second on the team with scoring at 24. Christmas isn’t the only Holiday making New Orleans happy right now.
3. The Control
New Orleans has struggled with maintaining leads all season. After seeing a double-digit lead drop to six in the second quarter, they looked poised struggle again. However, this time they regained momentum and never looked back. The Magic once got back to a seven-point deficit and didn’t get any closer after that. The Pelicans need to continue to be able to maintain leads, and close out games.
Up Next: Miami Heat: 12/23
Back to back’s haven’t treated NOLA the best this season. If it’s a time for that to change it would be Saturday. The Miami Heat are battling inconsistency and injuries, (sound familiar) and if it’s a time to beat them it’s now. Hopefully, the rest the starters received will do them well on their final trip to Florida this season.