New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 109-99 Win Over Memphis
The New Orleans Pelicans kept their playoff chances alive against Memphis.
The New Orleans Pelicans knew this was a must-win game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lose this one and they go down 0-3 in the bubble with only five games left, a hole they were unlikely to dig their way out of.
Win, and you are suddenly just 2.5 behind Memphis for the 8th seed and two behind the Trail Blazers and Spurs for the ninth.
Related Story. Instant Reactions to the Big Win Over Memphis. light
In other words, still in it.
The Pelicans got a solid, not spectacular, win against Memphis behind a energetic defensive effort, few turnovers, improved 3-point shooting and a dominant performance on the boards.
Things look a lot different than after the blowout loss to the Clippers, and the grades will reflect it.
Point Guards
FRANK JACKSON. Incomplete. . Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans
Frank Jackson only played two minutes, indicative of how tight Alvin Gentry’s rotations were (more on that later.) The bench was shorter last night and Gentry clearly went with the guys he trusts most.
. Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. LONZO BALL. B-
Lonzo Ball shot the ball poorly again, going just two for seven overall, all from behind the arc. However, he did a lot of other things well and didn’t let his poor shooting get to his head. Lonzo was very active defensively, grabbing four steals and getting his hands on just about everything. He was flashing into passing lanes and disrupting the Grizzlies any time they tried to go into the lane. He locked up Ja Morant when he was on him and led the team in assists with six.
It still wasn’t a vintage Lonzo game, but he showed heart last night, especially on the defensive end. He still doesn’t look confident shooting the ball, which is a problem, but if his shot comes around we will see the real Lonzo at some point. This game underscores the many ways Lonzo can contribute to winning basketball without scoring.