Pelicans inch closer to play-in with blow out of Spurs: 3 takeaways

Jaxson Hayes is the X-Factor for the New Orleans Pelicans

I wrote that Jaxson Hayes would be the X-Factor for the Pelicans in the play-in race and he was last night against the Spurs, having one of his best all-around games of the season.

Hayes has been playing well of late and gets more consistent with every game. Last night he ended up with 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and a steal, providing energy on both ends.

He also hit 3-of-4 from 3-point range, something to watch as the season goes on, as he and Valanciunas can be weapons from there and create space, which helps them stay on the floor together.

Here you see Hayes look for the lob off the roll and when it isn’t there, he just keeps on running to the 3-point line while Zach Collins stands there and watches.

If Hayes can regularly hit that shot, he gives the Pelicans a ton of options, as bigs are reluctant to chase him on the perimeter and if they do it opens up space for everyone else.

When Hayes is active defensively and getting out in transition, this team is very difficult to stop, and if he starts consistently hitting 3-point shots, look out.

But it all starts with defense.