The Continuation Of NOLA’s Success Rides On The Shoulders Of Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans have been on a surge as of late. With seven straight victories, four of which coming against projected playoff teams, fans are now gushing over the potential this franchise has come April. While no one can predict what the future may hold, it is curious to know just how much longer this success for the Pelicans can last.

Since the turn of the new year, the New Orleans Pelicans have compiled a record of 17-8. They are current holders of the sixth seed in the Western Conference and are only one game behind the Portland Trailblazers for the fourth seed. While this would be an impressive feat for any franchise, it is that much more spectacular coming from NOLA.

In late January, the Pelicans lost All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to a season-ending Achilles tear. After this upsetting event transpired, New Orleans took course on a downward spiral. Their six proceeding games saw the team attain a record of 1-5. With this, it looked as though the Pelicans were headed towards yet another season ending in disappointment. Leading up to the All-Star break, New Orleans managed to rattle off three straight victories. Sure this was impressive considering the condition they were in, but no one thought this success would last. Now, a little over two weeks removed from the break, that success has in fact continued.

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With the teams unimaginable triumphs as of late, many questions have surfaced in the minds of analysts and fans alike; Is this a real thing? Are the Pelicans actually this good? How much longer can this winning streak go on for?

Though the teams success would indicate they are a well rounded unit, it’s been Anthony Davis’ heroics that have guided New Orleans to such great heights. Don’t get me wrong, the Pelicans have a decent amount of talent residing on their roster. Jrue Holiday is having a career year, averaging 19.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 5.5 APG. E’Twuan Moore has been a pleasant surprise with averages of 12.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG and 1.0 SPG. Hell, even Rajon Rondo has played well during his tenure with the team, posting numbers of 7.7 PPG, 7.9 APG and .9 SPG. However, though they may have individuals that are having “good” seasons, the team would be completely lost at this point in time if not for AD’s insane campaign.

On the year, Davis’ stats, like always, have been very impressive. This season, AD has posted a stat-line of 28.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 2.2 BPG. Impressive, right? But wait, it gets even better! During the month of February, in which the Pelicans went 8-5, the “Brow” posted a sensational 35.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG and 2.2 BPG. With this, he is the first player since Mosses Malone (1982) to average at least 35 points and 10 rebounds in a single calendar month. During the month, he also managed to record five 40-point, 10-rebound performances, which is the most since 1983. Because of ALL of this, he has been deemed the Western Conference’s Player of the Month.

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February was filled with history breaking performances by the 24 year-old. Now just remember; this month was where the teams seven game winning-streak started. And, during said streak, Davis has averaged 39 PPG, 15 RPG and 3 BPG. Even with this impressive stat-line, the Pelicans saw many games coming down to the wire. Five of their seven victories saw the scores separated by a mere point within the final minute of regulation. Three of their wins came in overtime. And this is all while Davis has been inserting himself into the record books.

Without AD and his heroics, there is no way the Pelicans are coming into March riding on a seven game win-streak. These numbers he is currently putting up are a rarity, which makes his recent play all the more special. But while we can look in awe at how mesmerizing he has been, we also have to acknowledge that there’s no way he can keep this up for much longer, which means the teams current success may be coming to an end relatively soon. This is not to say the Pelicans are heading towards disaster. They have proven they deserve to continue playing come April. However, what this is saying is that New Orleans’ level of play cannot be sustained for much longer because Davis’ level of play cannot last for much longer. This is not a knock on Davis, this is me saying that, despite what people may think, he is still human.

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All people are susceptible to wear and tear. Fatigue has to set in at some point! While no one can predict when, the end to the Pelicans sensational run will soon be coming to an end. But even with this, it’s not such a bad thing. Davis needs to save this type of play for the postseason if NOLA wishes to have a chance to contend. If I’m Alvin Gentry, I’m riding this hot-streak until the end. Once that time comes, I’d pull back on Davis’ minutes for as long as my team allows.

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As we’ve seen in the past, Davis is prone to injury. We need him at full-strength come the postseason. While we’ve all appreciated his amazing performances as of late, and the Pelicans hot streak, we know we’re going no where come playoff time without a healthy AD. New Orleans’ continued success for the rest of the season rides and dies with Anthony Davis.