New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for a tough loss to the Bucks

The New Orleans Pelicans were on the second game of a back-to-back, on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks, so no one would have been surprised if they got blown out.

But with just over two minutes to go, the Pelicans seized the lead on a Zion Williamson layup an it looked for a moment like they might steal one for their third win in a row.

Giannis Antetokounmpo predictably got the lead back for the Bucks and the Pels were unable to knock down a couple of decent looks to finish out the game.

It was a frustrating loss, as the Pelicans played the Bucks tight and had a chance to close it out but once again fell victim to their clutch time woes.

The New Orleans Pelicans failed to get Zion Williamson a shot on the final possessions and Brandon Ingram (who hadn’t shot well all night) wasn’t able to hit the game-winner from behind the arc.

There were plenty of positives in this one but the Pelicans’ defense and bench let them down as usual. Stan Van Gundy only used three bench players which is part of the reason his starters didn’t have the legs to knock down shots late in the game.

Here are the grades.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Grade for Lonzo Ball

Whatever problems the New Orleans Pelicans have had of late can’t be blamed on Lonzo Ball, as he is playing the best basketball of his career. He had another great night shooting the ball and there is a solid argument that one of those final shots should have gone to him.

Lonzo was 6-of-10 from behind the arc, finishing with 20 points, eight assists and only one turnover on the night.

In my opinion, Lonzo Ball has shown that he can be the third piece with Zion and Ingram and the Pelicans should pay the man at the end of the season.