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Not Enough Star Power Results in Pels' Loss

Chrissy Smith • Jan 08, 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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By Erik Trosclair 01 May, 2024
Lets get into it!
By Chrissy Smith 30 Apr, 2024
Team Stats (Thunder at Pelicans) Final Score: 97-89 Rebounds: 44-50 Assists: 17-22 Blocks: 7-8 Steals: 10-10 Turnovers: 14-19 Stat Leaders (Thunder @ Pelicans) Scoring Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Jalen Williams, 24; CJ McCollum, 20 Rebound Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 10; Jonas Valanciusas, 13 Assist Leaders: Chet Holmgren, 5; Brandon Ingram, 6 My Player of the Game: Jonas Valanciunas Takeaways Well, the Pelicans got swept in the first-round of the NBA playoffs. The Pelicans' offense struggled this whole series, and although it didn't seem like the OKC defense was anything special, they held the Pelicans to well under 100 points per game. Turnovers were a huge issue for the Pelicans this entire playoff series. OKC's Dort shut down Brandon Ingram every game -- and it was hurtful to the Pelicans that Ingram was never able to take over or hit some of his open shots. He went 2-of-14 from the field in tonight's game. When Jordan Hawkins was put in the game, the Pelicans went on a run in the first half but then he did not play in the second half. Not sure where Jonas ends up next year, but he had a good game for the Pelicans tonight. Many times the NBA championship teams come down to who can stay healthy, and unfortunately for the Pelicans, Zion and BI got hurt at the worst time of the season. Regardless, the Pelicans won 49 games this season, we got to witness a healthy Zion for the entire regular season, we saw Herb Jones improve tremendously, and we saw Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins kick off their great, young careers. There will be moves in the offseason because the Pelicans have a generational talent in Zion. For now, I appreciate everyone who has gone along on the ride with me this season. I truly believe that next year we will be back better than ever. As always, Go Pelicans! Follow The Kneaux on X , and follow me there too @SportsChrissy.
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