New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for nerve-racking win over the Kings

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings: Player Grades for the shooting guards

Shooting Guards

Bledsoe turned the ball over a few times when he tried to do too much in the lane, but other than that, he was very good.

He knocked down some timely 3-point shots when the Kings were trying to get back into it late and added six rebounds and finished with 21 points.

I’m not sure Bledsoe is the long-term answer in the starting lineup, but the Pels need him to keep playing like he did against the Kings.

Same with JJ Redick, who finally looks like he is coming around after an abysmal start to the season. Redick finished the game with 14 points on 3-of-5 shooting from long range.

More importantly, he knocked down all five of his free throws, including two down the stretch that really helped the New Orleans Pelicans put the game away.

Redick had a bit more bounce in his step last night and is starting to look like the guy we remember.

Josh Hart was one of the few Pelicans who played defense last night, and his ability to play power forward was a big reason the Pelicans were able to open up a lead.

Stan Van Gundy ran with a Kira Lewis, JJ Redick, Josh Hart, Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes lineup that was actually quite effective, mostly because of Hart’s ability to defend bigger guys.

Hart is still shooting the ball poorly, especially from the corner. He cost Lewis Jr. a couple of assists again last night by missing those shots. Hart is still missing the “3” part of the 3-and-D.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker didn’t shoot the ball well and only had nine points, but I thought this game showed a lot of growth.

NAW’s biggest weaknesses are his turnovers and shot selection. Against the Kings, he had five assists, zeo turnovers and didn’t force any bad shots.

If NAW is going to play point guard, these are the types of games he needs to have when Zion and Brandon Ingram are cooking. He doesn’t have to only be a scorer.