New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for dominant win vs. Clippers

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Clippers: Grades for the bigs

Zion Williamson dominated in his 30 minutes of game time, but it’s good to get him some rest.

As has been the case whenever the New Orleans Pelicans go up against the Clippers this season, Ty Lue just doesn’t have the right personnel to stop Williamson—especially if Kawhi Leonard is not playing. Williamson overwhelms the Clippers’ forwards with his elite strength and generational athleticism.

The Pels’ all-star was 8-of-11 from the field and swished a three. He had 23 points, albeit on five missed free throws. Williamson has missed 11 free throws in his last two games, which is more than his previous five games combined.

Jaxson Hayes was probably the Pelicans player that struggled the most against the Clippers.

He wasn’t awful—six points, three rebounds, one block—but he didn’t make the most out of a good chance when the game was still competitive. With Steven Adams out, Hayes could have maybe played more minutes but didn’t because of foul trouble.

The second-year big quickly picked up three fouls, mostly because he was being bullied on the glass. Rebounding is still a big improvement area for Hayes, which I think will be critical for him.

I’m not convinced that Hayes will ever be able to truly play the 4 and, even if his three-pointer grows to acceptable, the best use of his skills will always be at the center spot. However, he will need to rebound at a better level to fulfill his potential.