Celtics @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • March 31, 2024
Team Stats
(Celtics @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 104-92
Rebounds: 51-41
Assists: 27-23
Blocks: 7-3
Steals: 7-9
Turnovers: 12-9
Stat Leaders
(Celtics/Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Jayson Tatum, 23; Zion Williamson, 25
Rebound Leaders: Kristaps Porziņģis, 10; Trey Murphy/Zion Williamson, 9
Assist Leaders: Jrue Holiday, 7; CJ McCollum, 6
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- This was a tale of two halves as the Pelicans were competitive and even led in the second quarter, but then the third and fourth quarters showed a stagnant offense.
- I cannot say enough good things about Zion. He is leading the way offensively and defensively for New Orleans.
- CJ McCollum had a spectacular first half of basketball, which included a monster dunk.
- Herb Jones' defense is top tier, but the Celtics had five players in double figures. There's only one Herb Jones.
- Jonas Valančiūnas did not start the second half.
Dyson Daniels played was 11 minutes and looked rusty, but it shouldn't take him long to get back into the swing of things.
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Who Has the Most to Prove This Season? Four Pelicans Entering Pivotal Years
LB
Chan Lumpkin 6-4/220 Butler, GA
Chandarin “Chan” Lumpkin is a versatile linebacker prospect from the Class of 2026, known for his athleticism and multi-positional capabilities.
He played primarily as a middle linebacker (MLB) and wide receiver (WR) during his high school career, but projects best as an outside linebacker with coverage ability or could be a bandit at the collegiate level.
Lumpkin signed with Tulane University on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 24, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over offers from programs like Memphis, East Carolina, Rice, South Florida, Appalachian State, and others.
He hails from Taylor County High School in Butler, Georgia (with earlier time at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, Georgia), where he also competed in basketball.
Scouting Report:
Versatility and Position Flexibility: Excelled at both linebacker and wide receiver in high school, with potential to play strong safety in college due to his coverage skills. Described as a “do-it-all defensive player” who can line up anywhere in the secondary or at edge.
Coverage Skills: Excels in open space, with the ability to cover receivers on the perimeter. Good feet, hips, and instincts allow him to drop into coverage effectively, break on the ball, and play tight man coverage. Has good hands for interceptions.
Tackling and Physicality: A punishing hitter who “knows how to hit and can lay the boom.” Strong tackler who supports the run well, delivers big hits to ball carriers, and isn’t afraid to come up and lay a hit. Effective at setting the edge against the run as an edge prospect.
Instincts and Football IQ: Smart player with excellent read-and-react ability. Good instincts help him diagnose plays quickly, cause turnovers (forced fumbles and interceptions), and make plays on the ball. Tracks the ball well in the air and has hops to high-point it.
Athleticism: Plays fast and aggressive, with good speed for his size. Versatile enough to contribute in the run-stopping game and create chaos. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X