New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Instant Takeaways from 124-103 Win Over the Bucks

Alvin Gentry Deserves Some Credit

The New Orleans Pelicans played loose and confident in the three scrimmage games, executed their game plan, and in general, looked ready to go.

They didn’t take a ton of bad shots, or turn the ball over a ton, which is a good sign for a team coming off an extended layoff.

The Pelicans were prepared from the first tip and every player who came into the game looked as though he knew his role.

Weaving the entire bench into a game while trying to work your regulars into shape is not easy, especially when you are trying desperately to keep them from getting injured.

The Pels look focused and ready to take on the challenge of overtaking Portland, keeping Sacramento and San Antonio at bay and eventually beating Memphis for the 8th seed.

Some fans have complained that Gentry has not taken the scrimmages seriously enough, but I disagree. He’s gotten to try out lineups that could be weapons down the road and he took every opportunity to coach players up when they needed it.

Both Lonzo Ball and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were pulled from games at different times after launching bad shots, so Gentry is doing what he is supposed to be doing in an exhibition, trying out new things and teaching his young guys.

Oh, did I mention this is happening in the middle of a pandemic?

The Pelicans look to be coming together at the right time and Gentry deserves some of the credit for that.

We can’t read too deeply into three scrimmage games, but the New Orleans Pelicans don’t look like a squad that hasn’t played in over four months.

They’ll be at full strength again for the Utah Jazz on Thursday when things get real and the Pelicans make their run at the playoffs.