The New Orleans Pelicans were blown out by the Utah Jazz behind another lackluster effort on both ends.
The Pelicans’ offense was stagnant and awful for most of the second half, as Stan Van Gundy can’t seem to find the right combination of players.
Zion Williamson had a big night for the Pelicans but it wasn’t enough to overcome the fact that Utah made 21 3-point shots and the Pels made six.
The Pelicans once again fell apart in the 3rd quarter, being outscored 36-20 and looking awful while doing it.
There are some questions this team needs to answer, particularly if they are actually trying to win now or if this season should be viewed as developmental.
Here are the grades for the 118-102 loss to the Utah Jazz.
New Orleans Pelicans: Point guard grades in 118-102 loss to the Jazz
Point Guards
Lonzo Ball returned from injury, though you may not have known it unless you were watching the 3-point line, where Lonzo stood all night.
Lonzo missed all six of his 3-point shots and didn’t even venture inside the arc until the game was decided.
Part of this is on Lonzo, as he has to be more aggressive and looks to be playing with no confidence.
But part of this is on Stan Van Gundy, whose offense has no motion, no cutters and basically no way for Lonzo Ball to contribute.
Ball is not a good enough shooter to be a 3-and-D wing, so either start using what he can actually do well or trade the guy already.