New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for stressful win over the Pacers

Pelicans vs. Pacers: Player Grades for the power forward and centers

Zion Williamson “only” had 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, a pedestrian night by his standards, but he was still very good.

Zion can dominate games without scoring, as the other team has to change their entire gameplan to stop him.

The Pacers went small on Zion and tried to deny him the ball in the second half and it largely worked. The Pelicans were having a hard time getting him the ball, which is something they need to work on.

He needs to go get it in that situation but Lonzo Ball also needs to get better at throwing him entry passes in the post, as this is an area where the Pels turn the ball over too much.

Zion kept pounding all night even though he wasn’t getting calls and also blocked another three shots, something he has been doing a lot more of lately. He has ten blocked shots in the last seven games.

Ho hum, another game, another A for Steven Adams.

You really can’t say enough about his offensive rebounding and screen setting. Again and again he gets the Pels extra shots with his hustle and frees up players with his screens.

Adams added another seven offensive boards last night and is now 2nd overall in the NBA in the category.

It’s amazing how big an upgrade Willy Hernangomez is just by being competent.

Hernangomez has helped solidify the Pels’ bench, though it has still been bad. He is not as talented as Jaxson Hayes but he has a high basketball IQ and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.

He had a block and and two steals last night to go with his six rebounds. He has taken Hayes’ spot in the rotation and it’s possible that Jaxson may see some time in the G-League.

It was a win that shouldn’t have been as close as it was, but it was still a win and the Pels hope they can keep it going tonight at home against the Grizzlies.