Pelicans were impressive against 76ers even though they lost

The New Orleans Pelicans probably should have been blown out by the 76ers last night.

They were playing their second game of a back-to-back due to a wonky schedule change, were missing Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas (not to mention Zion Williamson) and Devonte’ Graham.

The Pelicans have been bad on the road, and were starting Jose Alvarado and Willie Hernangomez against a good 76ers team, so this wasn’t one the Pelicans were supposed to win and ultimately they didn’t.

But someone forgot to tell the Pelicans, who played with heart all game and were actually up by 10 at one point and winning at halftime before eventually losing in the 4th quarter.

Losing sucks, and it would have been nice to get a “W” in a shorthanded game on the road, but the Pelicans got some value out of this loss, so if ever there was a good one, this was it.

The Pelicans’ role players getting big minutes

Even though the Pelicans lost, it was great to see guys like Alvarado, Hernangomez and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have productive minutes.

Alvarado has provided a spark of late off the Pels’ bench, which was much needed, and had another nice all-around game last night in extended minutes.

Hernangomez has always stepped in and played well when called upon and put up a 29/10 effort against the best center in the Eastern Conference.

Alexander-Walker led the way with 31 points, showing why the Pelicans are being patient with his development. Jaxson Hayes had one of his more productive games of the season as well.

Rookie Herb Jones got it all started in the first with a nice take for a dunk, followed by stuffing Maxey at the rim and leading the break for a 3-pointer on the other end, showing how dynamic he can be on both ends.

So even though the Pelicans lost, they got valuable developmental reps for their young guys that will hopefully pay off in the form of confidence and increased consistency when they return to their regular roles.

The Pelicans are also trying to instill a team culture where guys compete and play hard all of the time, so you love to see them take a “next person up” approach and give effort regardless of who is playing.

“If they were only healthy” has been the mantra of the season, but you have to wonder where this young team would be in the standings if they had a healthy Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

The young guys have bought in, Josh Hart is having the best season of his career and Jonas Valanciunas has been better than advertised, so the Pelicans will be in great shape when/if they are ever at full strength.