Not Enough Star Power Results in Pels' Loss
Chrissy Smith • January 8, 2023
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DALLAS -- Missing their three top scorers proved to be too much to overcome for the New Orleans Pelicans as they lost 127-117 to the Dallas Mavericks.
With CJ McCollum (rest), Brandon Ingram (toe), and Zion Williamson (hamstring) missing Saturday’s game, the remaining starters and second-string kept the game competitive, but it was obvious Dallas was in control from the beginning.
The three-ball was a problem for the Pelicans as Dallas finished 13-of-29, while New Orleans was just 5-of-29 for an underwhelming 17%. Although the Pels got several good looks, there was a hesitancy to many of the shots, which threw off the rhythm and resulted in misses.
Mavericks star Luca Doncic finished with a triple double scoring 34 points, having 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He also was on the receiving end of many self-sold fouls, but that didn’t decide the game.
On the positive side for the Pelicans, the ever-steady Jonas Valanciunas led the way on the offensive end scoring 25 points. Naji Marshall was right behind him with 24 points, and Herb Jones scored 18 points.
The Pelicans (24-15) now continue their road trip, playing against the Washington Wizards (17-23) on Monday, Jan. 9 at 6 pm.
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Team Stats (Hawks at Pelicans) Final Score: 99-121 Rebounds: 36-49 Assists: 20-27 Blocks: 4-4 Steals: 11-15 Turnovers: 19-23 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: CJ McCollum, 14; Saddiq Bey, 25 Rebound Leaders: Onyeka Okongwu, 10; Karlo Matkovic, 10 Assist Leaders: Kingston Flemings, 6; Jeremiah Fears, 7 My Player of the Game: Saddiq Bey Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The Hawks average 142 points per game, but because of the Pelicans stifling defense, the Hawks didn't score even 100. * Saddiq Bey finished the game with 25 points, six rebounds, and four steals -- all around huge night for him . * Dejounte Murray did not play as he is recovering from the birth of his child, and Jordan Poole and Yves Missi are still on the injured list . * Jeremiah Fears needs to be the only starting PG going forward. * The Pelicans will play the Memphis Grizzles on Monday, and that team is 6-0 on the season. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
We’re nearing the mid way point of the season and with the Saints sitting at 2-5 an eye on the future is probably a good thing. So I took a crack at a 2027 NFL mock draft for the Saints to see what I could do to put the Saints in a better position for next season. Round 1 - Pick #10 Dylan Stewart - Edge - South Carolina Now I will admit this was a lucky pick based on how the simulator went but I also would not rule out the player for the Saints based on how they have played so far this season. Dylan Stewart is a prototypical edge prospect who has shown flashes of dominance at South Carolina ever since his freshman season. Stewart is considered by many as one of the elite blue chip talents in this upcoming draft class and the Saints would be ecstatic to draft a player of his caliber to take the defense back to a contending level. With all of his talent though Stewart will need an important background check after some on field concerns he had this season between punching a player and arguing with coaches. Round 2 - Pick #41 Kingston Lopa - Safety - Cal Kingston Lopa is a physical outlier for his position. Listed at 6 '5 and 210 pounds Lopa is a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses as he can line up in various spots and fill multiple roles as a defensive back. Lopa’s size allows him to mirror opposing tight ends and bigger slots in man coverage but also has the awareness to be a ball hawk when playing in zone. As evidenced by his five interceptions so far this season. Round 3 - Pick #72 A.J. Holmes Jr. - Defensive Tackle - Texas Tech AJ Holmes is a defensive tackle who knows how to get after the quarterback. Holmes is someone I expect to shoot up draft boards the longer we go through the pre draft process as his combination of size and disruptiveness is coveted by every team. His addition to the Saints defense would bring quality another interior rusher to the room and give the Saints the ability to keep players more fresh throughout the game. Round 4 - Pick #108 Isaac Brown - Running Back - Louisville Isaac Brown is one of if not the most explosive running backs in the country and upcoming draft class. Brown’s speed jumps off the screen and would be a welcome addition to a run game that has been anything but explosive for a long time now here in New Orleans. He is another player where once we get deeper into the pre draft process I am not fully expecting to be here at this point in the draft. Round 5 - Pick #142 Jyaire Hill - Cornerback - Michigan Jyaire Hill is a talented prototypical corner prospect who has not been able to put all his talents together quite yet. But with his 6 '2 frame and athleticism at this point in the draft you love the upside Hill could bring should he develop with more coaching at the next level. Round 6 - Pick #181 Nyck Harbor - Wide Receiver - South Carolina Nyck Harbor has been one of the most athletic freaks in all of college football for a while now and his size and athleticism alone should get him drafted. Standing at 6’5 and 240 pounds Harbor can flat out run as evidenced by his track background. There will be conversations about Harbor converting to tight end which could be on the table but I think it is more likely he continues his development as a wide receiver who can take the top off a defense. This simulation was a fun one as I was able to really address the defense which needs quite the infusion of talent to reach a contending level. The later rounds in the draft were high upside swings with clear visions for their development. If the Saints were able to have a successful upcoming draft addressing multiple needs it would go a long way in helping end their postseason drought. I am looking forward to doing more of these mocks as we lead up to the draft as with more information plenty will change between then and now.