Win over Dallas shows 3 reasons Pelicans are title contenders

The New Orleans Pelicans have quality depth

To win a title you need more than just stars and you need more than just depth. Championship teams have quality depth, with guys who can step up and get a win when the stars have an off night or are out with injury, as was the case last night.

CJ McCollum had an off night shooting, but it didn’t matter, as the Pelicans had eight players in double figures and that was with three regular starters (including their two stars) on the bench.

Everyone got involved, with Jose Alvarado setting the tone early with his dribble penetration and knocking down an early 3-pointer after getting the start. Trey Murphy III (my pick for MIP this season) was perfect on the night, finishing with 22 points and five rebounds without missing a shot.

Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr. Devonte’ Graham and rookie Dyson Daniels all stepped up and had great games for the Pels, showing just how dangerous this team really is.

Daniels really personifies the Pelicans, as the rookie just came in and played with confidence and effort against Luka Doncic and never backed down, which was the theme of the night.

This is what Jose Alvarado had to say after the game:

"”This is what builds a championship team, knowing that you don’t have your main guys out there and winning against a really good team, It builds confidence in the whole team and gets guys rolling.”"

We’re only four games into the season, but New Orleans has championship quality depth that can carry them through some injuries or rough patches for the stars.

And you have to love the way this team rallies around each other.