New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 127-123 Loss to the Mavericks

Shooting Guards

Jrue Holiday had another strong all-around performance, notching 19 points, six assists and six rebounds. He also played good defense on Doncic at times and seemed to bother him as much as anyone can.

Holiday shot just 3 of 9 from deep and forced the issue a few times, taking a couple of tough step-back 3-pointers with the 7-foot-3 Porzingis closing out on him.

Holiday showed a lot of grit and could be seen encouraging the young New Orleans Pelicans on defense when they needed a stop.

Holiday has been asked to do a lot defensively lately and it has affected his shooting, especially from long range.

Josh Hart‘s struggles continued against the Mavericks, as he was only able to score two points on 1 of 6 shooting, including 0 for 3 from behind the arc.

Hart’s early-season confidence seems to have disappeared and he is hesitant on offense, especially when shooting 3-pointers.

Hart had some tough luck last night and had a few shots rattle out, but he also air balled a 3-pointer and generally looked uncomfortable with the ball.

The New Orleans Pelicans need Hart’s production off the bench, especially with J.J. Redick sidelined with an injury.

Hart needs to find his stroke again or the Pelicans might be on the outside of the playoffs looking in.

E’Twaun Moore is another bench player who has been struggling to find offense. He scored just four points on 2 of 5 shooting and missed both of his 3-point attempts.

Moore has played poorly in the last two games, forcing a few shots early in the shot clock and settling for mid-range jumpers when the Pelicans had better options.

The New Orleans Pelicans can usually count on Moore’s defense but he got blown by twice last night and generally didn’t have a good outing.

Someone is going to have to step up and give the Pelicans consistent bench production.