New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for close win vs. Hornets

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Hornets: Grades for the guards

Ball was the last name on everyone’s lips heading into this game, but Lonzo had a pretty rough night.

The New Orleans Pelicans point guard never got into the right rhythm, even though he ended up with 12 points and had one-third of the team’s three-pointers. Ball seemed hesitant to be aggressive and, much like in their first encounter, was outplayed by his younger brother LaMelo.

Ball didn’t have a detrimental effect on the Pelicans’ offense and he didn’t really force things either, but the team needs more from him with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined. I also wanted to see him play better defense on Terry Rozier III who torched New Orleans with a career-best 43 points.

Eric Bledsoe continues his string of very good performances.

Bledsoe started the game off on fire. He had 13 points and five assists in the first quarter alone, missing just three shots and adding value with some impressive playmaking. Right off the bat, Bledsoe had two nice assists, was getting downhill, made a couple of tough stepbacks, and hit his spot-up threes.

This is the Bledsoe that New Orleans fans want to see. He fizzled out a little late in the game, taking zero shots in the last period, but he was a threat all night long. Charlotte had to account for him, which is something that teams did not have to do early in the season.

I’m still an advocate for the Pelicans trading Bledsoe this summer, but if that’s not possible, then this is hopefully a turning point for his stint in the big easy. Over the last five games, Bledsoe is averaging 17 points, five rebounds, and one steal.

Welcome back.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was sorely missed by the Pelicans and he picked up right where he left off. Prior to his last game on April 4, Alexander-Walker was really hitting his stride. He had scored in the double digits in his seven games before that, with a 31-point night against the Orlando Magic sticking out.

The Canadian combo guard had played the role of offensive sparkplug off the bench all season long to good effect, especially as he earned more minutes in March. The Pelicans could have really used him for their play-in tournament push.

Alexander-Walker was on a minutes restriction against the Hornets, but that didn’t stop him from having a really good night. His stats aren’t jaw-dropping—5-of-11 from the field, three assists, two turnovers—but I thought he played a big part in the Pelicans winning this game.

Alexander-Walker made the right plays, defended with poise and intensity, and gave the Pelicans a jolt with his ability to create his own shot. Stan Van Gundy noticed this as well, making sure that Alexander-Walker was on the floor for the closing minutes of the game.

He missed a three, had a turnover, and got blocked down the stretch, but Alexander-Walker also helped clinch the game with an assist for Jaxson Hayes, secured a key defensive rebound, and made an important free throw.

Kira Lewis Jr. didn’t do too much against the Hornets in his fifteen minutes of game time.

The Alabama rookie had one impressive lobbed finish over the outstretched arms of the gargantuan Bismack Biyombo, but he missed the other two shots he took. On offense, he generally sort of just floated around, which is reflected by the fact that he had the lowest usage rate out of any Pelicans player that saw the court.

Still, it is worth mentioning that Lewis had one important play down the stretch. With five minutes to go and New Orleans up four, he took a charge from Malik Monk and successfully drew the offensive foul. This was his last contribution of the game and he deserves credit for it.