New Orleans Pelicans game recap: Game 1 Domination

The New Orleans Pelicans opened the new season in impressive fashion with a dominating 131-112 victory over the Houston Rockets.

If the New Orleans Pelicans motto is #doitBig, then on Wednesday night the team took that to new heights with #doitGigantic. The Pelicans dominated the game from start to finish in impressive fashion.

Key Stat of the Game….

76. This was the number of points in the paint the Pelicans had tonight, and it was a particular point of interest leading up to the game. Anthony Davis and Julius Randle played bully ball inside and was able to score at will especially when guarded by smaller players.

AD began his MVP campaign by posting a game high 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists. Randle followed suit coming off the bench with an impressive 25 point and 8 rebound performance himself.

But it wasn’t just the big men. E’Twaun Moore was able to hit a variety of mid-range shots and floaters in the paint to a tune of 21 points on 8-12 shooting. Elfrid Payton‘s relentless penetration inside the paint either led to an easy bucket or a kick out three. Payton finished the game with 10 assists.

To put it simply, the Pelicans were able to get what they want, when they wanted inside.

It was over when….

Pretty much after tip-off. The Pelicans jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead and quickly expanded on that leading by 6 after the 1st quarter and by 17 at the half. The lead ballooned to 29 in the 3rd and the Rockets got no closer than 15 after that.

The Pelicans outscored the Rockets in every quarter except for the 3rd when both teams scored 30 points in that frame. It was start to finish dominance by the Pelicans.

Player of the Game….

AD put up monster numbers as expected. Nikola Mirotic was a flame-thrower from three-point land shooting 6-8 from downtown and finishing with 30 points, but I will have to give the player of the game to…………….Elfrid Payton.

Payton finished the game with a triple-double netting 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. One of the biggest question marks surrounding this team was how much of an effect would the losing of Rajon Rondo be. I know it’s only one game, but Payton looks the part.

He was able to easily beat his man off the dribble and when he got in the paint, he made good decisions by either finishing at the rim or dropping off for a high percentage shot. Payton has always flashed talent, he was just always part of a losing culture. The relationship with the Pels should prove symbiotic for both parties.

Recap….

If this is the 2018-2019 version of the Pelicans that we will be seeing all season then sign me up. The effort, the intensity, and toughness were all on display Wednesday night. If the team continues the good habits shown tonight, expect them to be playing deep into 2019.