New Orleans Pelicans: Willie Green’s strategy with Jose Alvarado pays off

The New Orleans Pelicans got a big win over the Memphis Grizzlies in a back-and-forth and entertaining game between two very good teams.

The Pels got a huge game from CJ McCollum, who had been in a shooting slump but busted out of it for 30 points. Larry Nance Jr. added 19 off the bench and New Orleans was able to get one at home without Zion Williamson in the lineup.

The Pels got impact minutes from their bench, which was the decisive factor in the 113-102 win, as they outscored Memphis by 10 points with their second unit.

Nance Jr. had the big game, Naji Marshall played well in 25 minutes and rookie Dyson Daniels recorded nine rebounds in just 17 minutes on the floor.

But you could argue that no one was as impactful as Jose Alvarado, whose energy, defense and dribble penetration came in key moments for the New Orleans Pelicans.

New Orleans Pelicans: Timing is everything for Jose Alvarado

Jose Alvarado always brings the energy and has been trending up of late for the Pelicans, showing he is more than just a defensive pest.

Willie Green knows that Alvarado’s presence can change the game and deployed him brilliantly last night against Memphis. Alvarado entered the game in the second quarter and the pace promptly got faster, as he quickly led two fast breaks and then set up both Herb Jones and Larry Nance Jr. on dribble penetration.

The latter was the beneficiary of Jose’s ability to get in the lane all night, as several of Alvarado’s six assists led to Nance dunks or 3-point shots.

Alvarado also changes the pace on defense by picking up the opposing guard full court, making them work for every inch, expending energy that comes into play later in the game.

Coach Green held Alvarado out until the 4th quarter, when his energy once again made a difference. He quickly led another fast break, knocked down a three, and then got a steal from Ja Morant, who looked to wear down after a huge first half.

Bringing in a fresh-legged Jose Alvarado gave the Pels a big boost of energy in the 4th quarter and Willie Green rewarded him by letting him close out the game. The Pels held Memphis to just 15 points in the final frame and Alvarado finished +15 on the night.

Alvarado has been one of the Pelicans’ most important bench players, and he is doing it on both ends. Some credit has to go to coach Green, who has to pick his spots of when to use the speedy guard and has been pushing all of the right buttons lately.