The New Orleans Pelicans finally have some reason to celebrate after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 112-101 in their first home win of the season.
Brandon Ingram also returned to the lineup, a welcome sight for a team that has been in a free fall without its two best players.
This team is showing signs of getting on track, and has played with heart all season, something that will eventually pay off once they are back to full strength.
There have been some positives amidst all of the losing, but it was great to get back in the win column in front of the home fans against a divisional rival.
Here are some numbers from the game that might be signs that the New Orleans Pelicans are going get on a roll and win some games.
New Orleans Pelicans: Promising numbers from the win vs. Memphis Grizzlies
29 and 11
The New Orleans Pelicans had 29 assists on 38 made baskets and the ball was moving with Brandon Ingram back int the lineup, especially in the first half when the Pelicans were able to build a big lead.
Josh Hart chipped in 11 assists, which is a promising sign for the future, as the New Orleans Pelicans need more playmakers with Zion Williamson still out and the young guards struggling at times.
Hart has been very good this season, shooting 39 percent from 3-point range and notching a career-high 3.5 assists per game, something the Pelicans need with their primary playmaker on the bench with an injury.
New Orleans Pelicans: Promising numbers from the win vs. Memphis Grizzlies
48.3
The New Orleans Pelicans hit 14-of-29 from 3-point range last night, good for 48.3 percent, which was the difference in the game, as the Grizzlies only hit eight from behind the arc.
This is a welcome change for the Pelicans, who have not shot the 3-pointer well this season and are now 20th overall in the NBA in team 3-point percentage.
There are signs they are climbing out of it, as they have shot 37.5 percent from 3-point range as a team over the last three games and just got Brandon Ingram back.
Not only will he knock down some long-range shots himself, but his presence will create more space and better looks for everyone else.
The Pelicans aren’t at full strength yet, but it’s a great sign that guys like Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart are knocking down shots, as those looks are going to be even better once Zion Williamson finally returns.
The Pelicans’ offense is showing signs of life, as they are moving the ball, making shots and getting contributions from some unexpected places.
New Orleans Pelicans: Promising numbers from the win vs. Memphis Grizzlies
17
One of those unexpected places is Herb Jones, who is scored 17 points off the bench against the Grizzlies.
We know Jones is a lockdown defender who can impact the game without scoring, but lately he’s been doing both.
He hit 3-of-4 from 3-point range last night, something you don’t normally expect from Jones. But he put in the work with shooting coach Fred Vinson, and so far it is paying off, as Jones is shooting 38.5 percent from long range for the season.
Jones already looks like one of the steals of the draft, as he’s been the best 2nd-round rookie in the NBA so far and even found himself on the KIA Rookie Ladder.
Fans have been critical of some of the front office’s draft picks over the last few years but they deserve credit for finding a gem in Herb Jones, who is starting to look more and more like Draymond Green.
Let’s hope the New Orleans Pelicans can build off this win and start to string a few together to build momentum before Zion returns.