New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for 120-116 win over the Toronto Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors: Center grades

Centers

Steven Adams just keeps racking up the A’s game after game, adding another double-double to his resume.

Adams notched 13 points, ten rebounds, two steals and was once again a huge part of the offense with his screens.

A lot of fans still think that Adams and Zion can’t play together because of spacing issues but last night once again showed why that is not true.

Stan Van Gundy made an adjustment and had Adams setting his screens a little higher than usual, which kept more space in the lane, especially in the second half when they were trying to get Zion going.

Adams was great again last night and continues to be one of the best additions of the offseason.

Jaxson Hayes played his best minutes of the season, which was an encouraging sign after he’s been borderline unplayable.

Hayes played 17 minutes, mostly in the second half, and was in the game at some crucial moments.

He finished with six points and eight rebounds and hit all four of his free-throws, looking very smooth in the process.

The main difference was effort, as Hayes seemed to be playing harder and not hesitating, afraid to make a mistake.

He needs to continue to just play his butt off and not worry about messing up because the only things he brings to the table come with effort.

It’s just one game but it will help the Pels immensely if Hayes can play solid minutes. He doesn’t have to be great, but he can’t be a train wreck.

That makes two in a row for the Pelicans, who are trying to prove that they are a different team, one that can execute and finish close games.