Pels lose winning streak without Davis in blowout fashion to Wiz 116-97

The New Orleans Pelicans‘ ten-game winning streak came to a crashing end Friday at home. While the effort was there early, the Pelicans couldn’t overcome their missing parts against a tough Wizards team and lost in blowout fashion.

What we liked: Darius Miller and Cheick Diallo

The Pelicans desperately needed their role players to step up without Anthony Davis. Darius Miller did his part finishing with 20 points. Seeing him aggressive was a very welcomed addition. Friday was one of the better games Miller has had recently and should serve as a boost of confidence.

As for Diallo, he continues to show a glimpse of the potential he possesses. Outside of an early stretch, most of Diallo’s work was done in garbage time. But the additional time and workload should only benefit a kid who needs to make up what he lacks in weight and in energy. Unfortunately, that requires patience that coach Alvin Gentry isn’t always up for. We’ll take the 14 points and 9 rebounds anyway. 

What we didn’t like: The Three-Point Shooting

Speaking of Miller, him and Ian Clark both had struggled from deep coming into Friday. Their struggles seemed to reach the entire team as they collectively shot 30 percent Friday. The first half they didn’t connect on a single three at all. Some nights even with favorable looks the ball just doesn’t go in. The Pelicans didn’t shoot well from the field overall but, the three-point shooting when the game was in reach is what ultimately did them in.

When it was over: Bradley Beal’s three with 2:57 in the third quarter

The last time New Orleans was out of a game this early was…..their last loss period. The 76ers gave NOLA a similar beat down and were up by as much as 30. By the end of the third quarter, the game was decided. Beal’s three provided a similar result.

Takeaways:

1. The Anthony Davis effect.

The Pelicans’ offense has looked like a video game during their recent win streak. Anthony Davis was a huge part of that offense. Without him, the Pelicans looked lost as everyone was forced to simply do more. This had players out of their comfort zones and notably forcing a barrage of possessions. This doesn’t take away the talents of the rest of the Pelicans, it just shows what we already knew; Anthony Davis is kind of important and is a true MVP candidate.

2. Jrue Holiday’s struggles

Without AD, the player expected to have the most responsibility was Jrue Holiday. Holiday, as he always does bring it defensively finishing with three blocks and two steals. Offensively it just wasn’t his night as he finished with four points on 2 of 8 shooting. The Wizards harassed Holiday all night with double teams and dared any other Pelican to beat them. Unfortunately, no one was able to. Not a sound recipe to win playing without your two best players.

3. The winning streak

Like all streaks in life, they eventually come to an end. The Pelicans would for sure wish they had health on their side, but it wasn’t in the cards. They should still be proud of themselves as they put together a magician fun ride. With Anthony Davis, NOLA should have faith another streak is only a healthy ankle away. And in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, it may be exactly what they need.

Next: If MVP Actually Stands For “Most Valuable Player” Than The Award Should Go To Anthony Davis

Up Next: @ Utah: 3/9

The Pelicans will look to start a new winning streak Sunday against the Jazz at home.
The last time Utah came to NOLA they embarrassed the Pelicans. New Orleans will hope to have a healthy Anthony Davis against another tough playoff hopeful.