Offensive Surge Leads Pels to Victory

Chrissy Smith • January 10, 2023

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Five New Orleans Pelicans players finished in double-digit points in the team’s 132-112 win over the Washington Wizards.


Even without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the deep Pelicans squad keeps showing up, continually proving why they are one of the deepest benches in the league.


CJ McCollum ended the game with 34 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 27 point, Naji Marshall scored 18, Davonte’ Graham had 11 point, and Jose Alvarado finished the game with 10 points.


When the Pelicans have guys who usually play off the bench scoring in double figures, you know the league is watching and knowing they need to be prepared for what’s coming. It’s also nice to see guys stepping up when players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy are in a slump.



New Orleans is now 25-16 with a tough game ahead of them Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Boston at 6:30 PM. The Celtics are 29-12 on the season and in first place of the Eastern Conference.

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ANNOUNCING A NEW ERA OF PELICANS COVERAGE 🏀

By Chrissy Smith • August 3, 2026
For more than 15 years, I had the privilege of telling sports stories as a writer. Before that, I experienced the game from a different perspective—as a college basketball player. Those experiences shaped how I see basketball. The game is more than a final score. It's about the decisions, the adjustments, the matchups, the strategy, and the moments that decide winning and losing. That's why I'm excited to launch a new chapter of Pelicans coverage focused on one simple idea: Understand the Pelicans. Don't just watch them. Starting this season, I'll be providing in-depth coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans through: * Weekly written analysis breaking down the team, players, strategy, and biggest storylines. * Film breakdowns explaining the X's and O's behind what happens on the court. * Weekly podcast conversations discussing the latest from the Pelicans and the NBA. My goal is simple: to give Pelicans fans thoughtful, fair, and knowledgeable coverage that helps you see the game in a different way. Just honest reporting, basketball insight, and a passion for the New Orleans Pelicans. Whether you've been following this team for 20 years or you're just getting started, I hope you'll join me as we take a deeper look at the team we all love. Understand the Pelicans. Don't just watch them.
Athlete in black shirt and shorts crouches on indoor turf in a training facility.

Transfer Portal Spotlight: Riley Rushing

By Patrick Harkness • August 3, 2026
OG 
Riley Rushing- (D2) Mars Hill U 
Riley Rushing fits Tulane as a 6’4”, 295-pound versatile interior offensive lineman (OG with OT experience) with proven D-II starting production, elite physical finish, block-sustaining ability, and pancake-heavy run-game dominance who immediately adds competition and depth to a revamped OL room needing toughness and flexibility after key graduations. 
He’s a junior transfer from Mars Hill University (D-II, North Carolina) who committed on January 5, 2026, via the portal (entered November 20, 2025). A product of Milton HS in Alpharetta, GA (near Atlanta), he has two years of eligibility remaining (#71).  
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offensive line (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) prioritizes physical, nasty trench warriors who sustain blocks through the whistle, dominate the run game with pancakes, and provide reliable pass protection on the interior in their west coast hybrid attack. Rushing is a perfect match as a high-floor, scheme-versatile piece. 
• Size and physicality: At 6’4”/295, he brings a powerful, long-levered frame with the agility to play fast, ideal for sealing edges, pulling, and finishing blocks violently. 
• Versatility and technique: Two-year starter who has lined up at both OG and OT (plus interior flexibility). Excels at sustaining blocks and piling up pancakes; recorded zero sacks allowed in the 2025 season despite heavy snaps. 
• Intangibles: Southeast ties (Alpharetta, GA) and a reputation as a relentless, high-motor finisher who brings toughness and football IQ from a competitive D-II program. Tulane targeted portal OLs with immediate starting upside to replace departed starters like LT Derrick Graham and LG Shadre Hurst. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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