3 Takeaways from the New Orleans Pelicans 138-117 win over the Trail Blazers

Rebounds and Assists

The Pelicans spread the workload tonight, especially when it came to rebounding and assists. Whiteside was owning the paint against Favors early on but the rest of the team stepped up and got on the glass. The Pelicans had five players with at least six rebounds and both Jaxson Hayes and Jrue Holiday added four each. After getting beat on the boards in the first quarter, the Pelicans worked for an overall 50 to 40 advantage, which was a big part of the game in the second half. Though he didn’t shoot particularly well, Nicolo Melli added 8 boards and ten points in what was truly a team win.

The Pelicans also shared the ball, racking up 40 assists behind ten each from Ball and Holiday. Williamson and Frank Jackson chipped in five apiece as the Pelicans played an exciting brand of up-tempo basketball where everyone was involved.

The Pelicans can build real momentum going into the All-Star break. With a commanding 3-0 series lead over Portland, the Pelicans helped their playoff chances and took down a conference rival. The Pelicans are making some noise and putting themselves in position to be in the playoff hunt down the stretch.