Pelicans @ Mavericks Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • January 16, 2024
Team Stats
(Pelicans @ Mavericks)
Final Score: 120-125
Rebounds: 37-42
Assists: 21-24
Blocks: 2-6
Steals: 9-4
Turnovers: 9-11
Stat Leaders
(Pelicans/Mavericks)
Scoring Leaders: Zion Williamson, 30; Kyrie Irving, 42
Rebound Leaders: Larry Nance Jr., 8; Dereck Lively II, 12
Assist Leaders: Brandon Ingram, 5; Kyrie Irving/Grant Williams, 7
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- There were two players for the Mavs who scored 40+ points (Irving, 42; Tim Hardaway Jr., 41) so the Pelicans defense really struggled to stop those two key players.
- Zion played tough and was a key to keeping the Pelicans in the game.
- Brandon Ingram had an off night offensively.
- CJ McCollum also helped keep the Pelicans in the game by hitting some big shots.
- The Pelicans were leading the game, but allowed too many three-pointers by the Mavs in the final three minutes of the game to end up losing.
- The Pels lost by five tonight, but going into this game, they were 0-6 when lose by three or fewer points. Tonight the Pelicans needed a big shot to win the game and they could not come up with it. At some point, a hero is going to have to step up for N.O.
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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