New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Instant Takeaways from 124-103 Win Over the Bucks
The final scrimmage is in the books and the New Orleans Pelicans are ready.
If the scrimmage games mean anything, then the New Orleans Pelicans are ready to go.
They looked sharp again in their win over the Bucks, which featured a heavier dose of the starters and tighter rotations as Alvin Gentry tried to prepare for the first real game against the Utah Jazz.
light. Related Story. Zion is back! Here's what it means for the Pelicans
Zion Williamson is still in quarantine and missed the final scrimmage, but he should be available and ready when things kick off on Thursday.
The Pelicans started off slowly, getting down 11-0 to start the game, but to their credit, came roaring back behind a 20 point third quarter from J.J. Redick and just kept rolling.
The Pelicans finished the scrimmage portion of the schedule undefeated and look ready to start playing real games. There was a lot to like about tonight and the Pelicans have to feel good heading into Thursday’s matchup with the Utah Jazz.
Here are three instant takeaways from tonight’s scrimmage against the Bucks.
Die By the Three, Live by the Three
The Pelicans were getting good looks in the first half but couldn’t buy one. Nicolo Melli and J.J. Redick both missed several open three’s and at one point the Pels were 3-16 from long-range.
The Bucks jumped out to a big lead early but the Pelicans kept chipping away, and got it down to three at the half, which they had to feel pretty good about considering how poorly they shot the ball.
In the third quarter Redick went into video game mode and couldn’t miss, knocking down five of six and finishing the quarter with 20 points. Redick really bailed the Pelicans out of an offensive funk and showed what a weapon he can be at any moment.
https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1287926874774020096
He started the game 0-5 but Redick can turn an o’fer around as fast as anyone.
The Pelicans want to get up and down the floor, shoot a ton of three’s and overwhelm teams with their offensive firepower. They weren’t falling in the first half but the Pelicans were getting good looks, which is the most important thing.
Eventually those shots starting going in and the Pelicans rolled offensively for most of the second half behind strong play from the reserves.