New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for 113-99 win over the Toronto Raptors
The New Orleans Pelicans played a strong team game to defeat the Toronto Raptors 113-99 in game one.
The New Orleans Pelicans had to overcome their own mistakes to get their first win of the season against the Toronto Raptors.
The Pelicans committed 27 turnovers and missed 10 free throws but were still able to pull away late behind huge games from Brandon Ingram, Eric Bledsoe and J.J. Redick.
Related Story. 4 overreactions to the 113-99 win over Toronto. light
The most impressive thing is that the Pels were able to do this despite a quiet night from Zion Williamson, who was the focus of the Raptors’ defense and only scored 15 points.
It was a team win for the New Orleans Pelicans, which will be reflected in some high early-season grades.
New Orleans Pelicans: Point guard grades in win over Toronto Raptors
Point Guards
B+. . Point Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. LONZO BALL
Lonzo Ball finished the game with 16 points, five rebounds and just two assists, and was one of the most important Pelicans in the game.
Lonzo was swarming on defense all night, blocking two shots and adding a steal while getting into the passing lanes and causing havoc.
He was aggressive taking the ball to the rim, which was nice to see and was able to convert four of his six free throws.
The only thing keeping Lonzo from an “A” is that he turned the ball over five times, though to be fair, Jaxson Hayes was the cause of two of them.
Lonzo stepped up offensively when the Pels were struggling in the first half and was aggressive and confident shooting the ball, which is exactly what we wanted to see