New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in Uninspiring Win over Washington
The New Orleans Pelicans’ bench propelled the team to a win over Washington.
The New Orleans Pelicans won’t be completely satisfied with their 118-107 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The Wiz were without their top three scorers, but it still took a full team effort from the Pelicans to get the win.
It would have been nice if the Pelicans had dominated this one from the first tip, but they eventually asserted themselves defensively and secured the win in the second half.
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It wasn’t the prettiest win they’ve had, but they’ll take it, as their meager playoff hopes are still alive for another day.
Here are the grades from the New Orleans Pelicans’ win over the Washington Wizards.
Point Guards
FRANK JACKSON. A. . Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans
Frank Jackson was a difference maker in this game, especially in the third quarter. The Pelicans came out with lackluster defensive effort early and Jackson was inserted into the game to change that. He led the charge in the third quarter, cranking up the defensive intensity and pushing the pace when the Wizards missed or turned the ball over. He shot six of ten for 13 points, added two assists and didn’t turn the ball over in 20 minutes of play. Jackson may be playing for a spot on the roster next year and he helped his chances against the Wizards.
New Orleans Pelicans. LONZO BALL. C-. . Point Guard
Lonzo Ball has not been able to find the rhythm he had back in March, putting up another woeful shooting night against the Wizards.
Lonzo went just one for seven from the field for two points and didn’t get to the line once. He just doesn’t seem like the same guy who was so confident in March and it’s killing the Pelicans.
At one point Lonzo turned the ball over after shuffling his feet when it was clear he didn’t want to launch an open 3-pointer.
He has to be confident and take that shot, as he is not effiective when he is indecisive or not aggressive with the ball.
Lonzo got benched in favor of Jackson at one point and Jackson outplayed him by a mile. Lonzo has let his poor shooting get into his head and it is affecting other parts of his game.
He did finish with five assists, nine rebounds and three blocks, but also turned the ball over another three times, something that has plagued the Pelicans’ guards during the restart.
Lonzo did put up a better defensive effort, and he contributed without scoring, but for the Pelicans’ offense to work, they need an aggressive, confident Lonzo and he just hasn’t shown up so far.