Eric Bledsoe played another great game against Toronto and the New Orleans Pelicans held on for the win.
The New Orleans Pelicans are probably glad to see the last of the Toronto Raptors, who clawed their way back from down ten late before the Pels were able to salt it away at the line.
Eric Bledsoe is one Pelican who will be sad to see Toronto go, as he had another big game (more on that in a second) and was a big part of the crunch time lineup that won the game.
Here are some instant reactions to a big win over a tough Toronto team.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors: Instant Reactions
#1: Free Throws!
The Pelicans lived at the line against Toronto, shooting a whopping 47 free throws and ending with a +10 advantage in points at the line.
Brandon Ingram was able to close out the game late, hitting four in a row to put it out of reach, but the Pelicans still missed 11 free throws overall, which could have cost them the game.
The Pelicans are going to draw a ton of fouls but they have to knock down the free throws. Jaxson Hayes did go 4-for-4 from the line in what were probably his best minutes of the season.
#2: The New Orleans Pelicans are growing before your eyes
The Pelicans had a ten-point lead with 5:38 left in the game and about two minutes later it was gone.
At that point smart money was on the veteran Raptor team, as the Pels looked rattled. It happens. the Pels tried to run out the clock with five minutes left and you can’t do that in the NBA.
I loved their response though, which was to ramp up the defense and execute on the offensive end behind Brandon Ingram.
It would have been nice if they had just blown them out, but this shows growth for a young team that probably wouldn’t have won that game at this point last season.
#3: Eric Bledsoe!
Eric Bledsoe might want to buy real estate in Canada when he retires because he seems to love Toronto.
He had his second great game of the season against the Raptors, finishing with 19 points,10 assists a block and a steal.
Bledsoe played smothering defense three plays in a row late in the game and then hit a huge 3-pointer late in the shot clock to put the Pels ahead for good.
It was a satisfying win for the New Orleans Pelicans that shows they are ready to make a leap as a team.