New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 120-107 Win Over Timberwolves

Jrue Holiday likes playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After posting a triple-double against them less than a week ago, Holiday slapped a season-high 37 points on the Timberwolves on Sunday and added nine rebounds, eight assists and only one turnover.

Holiday has been the most consistent player for the New Orleans Pelicans down the stretch, and seems to know when the team needs him to score or facilitate.

Holiday was an efficient 13 of 20 from the field and added another eight free throws in nine attempts.

He also played much stronger defense against the Minnesota guards, which was one of the keys to victory for the Pelicans. Holiday is the calming veteran presence that the New Orleans Pelicans need in the absence of sharpshooter J.J. Redick.

Josh Hart‘s birthday magic was short-lived.

After dropping 19 points and 12 rebounds on the Heat on his birthday, Hart’s struggles continued against the Timberwolves.

Hart is mired in his worst stretch of the season. If you take out his birthday game against the Heat, Hart is just 6 of 37 from 3-point range over his last six games for a miserable 16.2 percent.

To his credit, Hart hasn’t allowed his shooting woes to affect his rebounding or defense, as he still grabbed five boards and had two steals.

But Hart was also 0 for 8 from the field for one point. He is the emotional leader of the New Orleans Pelicans, so they need him out there.

Hart is the team’s best rebounder, a versatile defender and often injects life into the second unit, but if he continues to struggle the Pelicans are going to have a hard time winning games, as their bench has been ice-cold.

The lack of bench scoring has put additional pressure on rookie Zion Williamson and All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, both of whom have had to carry an extra load in the absence of the bench.

Hart needs to find his shot and he needs to find it fast.