Player Grades from the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 loss to the Thunder

Shooting Guards

Jrue Holiday:  B+

Holiday continued his solid all-around play, netting 14 points, 11 assists and six rebounds in the loss. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, including hitting only one of three three-point attempts and going one for four from the line. These missed free throws, along with three Holiday turnovers, proved to be too much for the Pelicans to overcome. At times Holiday played great defense, going over screens on the pick-and-roll and generally being a disruptive force. But ultimately Paul and backup Dennis Schroder were able to get into the lane at will, which falls partially on Holiday.

Josh Hart:  C

Hart had a frustrating night after coming up big in the previous game against the Trail Blazers. He shot only 1-4 for seven points, though he did notch eight rebounds and three assists. Like many of the Pelicans, Hart struggled in the half court and wasn’t able to get out in transition.

J.J. Redick:  B+

Redick was up and down throughout the game, missing some open shots early before getting hot and carrying the Pelican’s offense in the second half. At one point in the third quarter Redick hit three in a row coming off of screens, which gave the Pelicans a boost with leading-scorer Zion on the bench. Redick continues to be a calming, veteran influence and it’s clear he gets a lot of respect from his young teammates.

E’Twaun Moore:  A-

Uncle E does all of the little things that do not show up in the scorecard. With the Pelicans struggling to get stops in the third quarter, Moore anchored the Pelicans’ defense and slowed the Thunder offense down, allowing New Orleans to go on a run and take the lead. Though he ended the night with only two points and four rebounds, Moore added a steal and a block and stepped up defensively when the Pelicans needed a stop.