Grizzlies @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • December 21, 2023
Team Stats
(Grizzlies @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 115-113
Rebounds: 42-39
Assists: 19-23
Blocks: 7-3
Steals: 5-4
Turnovers: 17-11
Stat Leaders
(Grizzles/Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Ja Morant, 34; Brandon Ingram, 34
Rebound Leaders: John Konchar, 8; Jonas Valančiūnas, 14
Assist Leaders: Ja Morant, 8; Brandon Ingram/CJ McCollum, 6
My Player of the Game: Brandon Ingram
Takeaways
- This was Ja Morant's first game of the season, and although he had a slow start in the first half, Morant's play in the second half is what beat the Pelicans.
- Ingram matched Morant's point total, but there was not enough offense to beat the Grizzlies who held the Pelicans to just 113 points.
- Jonas Valančiūnas had another strong performance, proving himself to be the most consistent player for N.O.
- Zion Williamson was sick, but did play and scored 13 points.
- Some of Willie Green's lineup were questionable with Trey Murphy only playing 21 minutes and was not in the game down the stretch.
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Discussing how the Pelicans get into the lottery & a few prospects to keep in mind.
Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X