Jazz spoil Anthony Davis’ birthday and first triple double, beat Pels 116-99

The New Orleans Pelicans played host to Utah Sunday in a battle of recent hot teams. After being embarrassed in their last meeting, and the return of Anthony Davis, their was hope the Pelicans could exit victorious. Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio had other plans, however, spoiling Anthony Davis’ birthday and career day.

What we liked: The Block Party

It must have been the presence of the Utah Jazz and Rudy Gobert. The Pelicans at times were superb at defending the rim. Anthony Davis recorded his first career triple-double finishing with 10 blocks. The Pels as a team ended with 14 blocks.

They arguably should have had more as Emeka Okafor and Jrue Holiday both came close a few times to add to their totals. Most of the love will go to Davis, as he deserves, but others did chip in to help.

What we didn’t like: The momentum loss

The Pelicans were up by nine midway through the third quarter. They were soon down by as much as 11. Donovan Mitchell is much to blame as he had a mini explosion to help bring Utah back. Overall, the loss of momentum made it difficult for the Pels to regain a rhythm, and the Jazz capitalized.

When it was over: Ricky Rubio’s three with 1:50 remaining

The Pels had a chance to cut the lead to six on their previous possession. After a miss, Rubio processed to knock down a three of his own and put a dagger in the Pelicans’ comeback attempt.

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’ first triple-double.

It’s difficult to get a triple-double in the NBA if you’re not LeBron James or Russell Westbrook. It’s even harder getting one with blocks. Davis has come close before finishing with nine blocks. Sunday he finally broke through for number ten. He would easily trade the accomplishment for a win but it’s still an impressive feat nonetheless.

2. Darius Miller aggressive again.

We mentioned one of the positives against Washington was the Darius Miller scoring output. The aggressiveness in his play is what was noteworthy. Miller carried that same aggression against the Jazz. Miller finished with 11 points and, while it’s not the 20 he had Friday, he also delivered four assists. We hope to continue seeing an attacking Darius Miller.

3. The rebounding

Coming into Sunday the Jazz were 21st in rebounding. They looked a lot better than their ranking, out-rebounding the Pelicans 55 to 38 including, 17 offensive boards. That differential ultimately loomed large giving the Jazz several extra opportunities.

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

Up Next: Charlotte Hornets 3/13

The Pelicans home-stand will continue Tuesday as Dwight Howard and Kemba Walker roll into town.