New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for important win vs. Nuggets
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Nuggets: Grades for the forwards
Big. New Orleans Pelicans. ZION WILLIAMSON. A.
It was neck-and-neck between Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram for the New Orleans Pelicans’ best player against Denver.
Williamson finished with 30 points on an efficient 70 percent from the field. It was his 20th consecutive 20+ point game.
Like most other teams, the Nuggets’ forwards couldn’t defend him. Williamson gave JaMychal Green a torrid time whenever he was on the court. He could perfectly have been considered the Pels’ best player on Sunday, but I ultimately went with Ingram for a couple of reasons.
First, Williamson started the game off poorly. After the end of the first quarter, he had shot 1-of-3 and had two turnovers. It was a very brief reminder that Williamson is human. Also, he had four turnovers and only one assist despite handling the ball plenty.
Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. JOSH HART. B+.
I could keep this B+ grade for Josh Hart every time I write these pieces, to be honest.
Like I always say, we know what to expect from the former Villanova wing. Hart is as reliable as they come. He pitched in with 12 points and was a team-high +12. In particular, Hart had one really nice acrobatic finish in the third quarter.
Hart also made his presence known on the glass. He finished with nine boards, two of them offensive and one in the embers of the game to seal the win.
. Big. New Orleans Pelicans. NICOLO MELLI. B+
Well, this was a nice and unexpected surprise.
Nicolò Melli saw 13 minutes of action against the Nuggets after not playing in either of the Pelicans’ last two games. The Italian big was once again in the rotation, probably because of Lonzo Ball’s absence, and made the most of his opportunity.
This was the best I have seen Melli play all season. He kept the ball moving on attack, not forcing anything, and picked up four assists in the process. Defensively, he competed and wasn’t a minus during his time on the floor.
The win against Denver will hopefully be a confidence booster for Melli, even though it’s possible that he is used as a trade piece over the next few days.