New Orleans Pelicans lose after shunning Anthony Davis for stretch

The New Orleans Pelicans needed a win on Saturday, but had to deal with the best team in the NBA. Despite a strong effort, they couldn’t overcome the Houston Rockets and continue to fall in the standings.

Not long ago, the New Orleans Pelicans looked unstoppable, riding a 10-game win-streak. Now, they’ve dropped four-of-five and find themselves clinging to a playoff spot.

Anthony Davis led the way with 26 points (11-for-18) and 13 rebounds. Despite a strong game from him however, something that had to do with the superstar bothered me a lot. No, it wasn’t the 0-for-2 from deep (on two forced threes) – although I didn’t like that either.

What I didn’t like:

The Pelicans once again decided to faze Anthony Davis out of the offense for a long stretch. AD was 4-for-6 with 12 points in the first quarter. He took just two shots in the second quarter (1-for-2).

Then, from 3:43 left in the second to 8:54 in the third, Davis didn’t take another shot. That attempt would be a three pointer that seemed forced. Davis followed that up with another three minute and 44 second shot attempt drought.

Now, a big part of this was Davis being double-teamed. The Rockets clearly decided after his hot first quarter that the Pelicans should have to find other ways to score. There were still plenty of times Davis found himself backing down players like Trevor Ariza or James Harden one-on-one. Despite those golden opportunities, the Pelicans seemed to not even notice he was on the court.

What I loved:

Rajon Rondo didn’t play on Saturday. That, however, did not stop him from getting involved. Throughout the game you could see Rondo standing up, cheering on and coaching up his teammates. Always a vocal player, the point guard did make the mistake of getting a technical foul. Despite that, it’s easy to like the level of involvement Rondo seemed to have.

Ian Clark got hot for a stretch and Darius Miller was hitting his threes. Clark was 8-for-9 (1-for-1 from three) with 17 points, while Miller went 4-for-6 from three and finished with 13 points. Those two scoring off the bench is exactly what the Pelicans will need for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Cheick Diallo‘s effort and activity were both great. In 12 minutes the 21-year-old recorded six points and four rebounds to go with two blocks. He seemed to be involved in everything during his minutes, and got the Pelicans into a rhythm at one point. Once again he’s proving that with minutes he can be a difference maker.

In the end, the Rockets dropped the Pelicans 107-101 in a fun battle. A loss is a loss though, and New Orleans can’t feel good after that one.

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The Pelicans take on the Boston Celtics on Sunday in a game that really looks like a must-win. New Orleans can’t afford such a long post-win-streak hangover, and a big win tomorrow can kickstart more winning ways. Here’s a little piece of advice if they want to reverse their fortunes; Anthony Davis shouldn’t be forgotten about.