16th January - New Orleans Pelicans VS Utah Jazz - 15-26

Great win. Best 15-16 win team ever

I think the refs seriously feared for their safety if they were to overturn that Gobert foul.

Unsung Hero of the Game = Frank Jackson. His defense was the best I've seen from him all year.

The refs blew that game twice in the final 2 min. It never should have gone to OT, but the good guys won.

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Originally Posted by As I See It

Unsung Hero of the Game = Frank Jackson. His defense was the best I've seen from him all year.

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He has finally recovered mentally. I don’t know what the hell happened after that stinger, but he wasn’t himself.

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Originally Posted by As I See It

Unsung Hero of the Game = Frank Jackson. His defense was the best I've seen from him all year.

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Why that guy get so much low key hate is beyond me.

Endgame statlines:

Ingram: 49 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists. 15/25 shooting (60%), 3/8 from 3 (37.5%). 4 turnovers, 3 fouls.
Ball: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 13 assists. 2/12 shooting (16.7%), 1/5 from 3 (20%). 2 turnovers, 3 fouls.
Favors: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks. 10/12 shooting (83.3%) . 1 turnover, 3 fouls.
Hart: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals. 3/8 shooting (37.5%), 2/5 from 3 (40%). 1 turnover, 6 fouls.
Melli: 7 points, 4 rebounds. 3/6 shooting (50%), 1/1 from 3. 0 turnovers, 2 fouls.

Bench:
Moore: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist. 7/11 shooting (63.6%), 2/3 from 3.
Frank: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist. 3/5 shooting (60%)
NAW: 12 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists. 5/11 shooting (45.5%), 2/4 from 3.
Jax: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block. 3/3 shooting (100%) - only 12 minutes.

Bold= Career High

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Why that guy get so much low key hate is beyond me.

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I agree. There is no metric to measure heart.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Why that guy get so much low key hate is beyond me.

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It's because 90% of the time he's spent on the court for his career so far he's been either entirely impactless or negative, and any criticism of him usually ends up with some people acting like the criticiser has kicked their dog.

WHAT A GAME!!!! Amazing job by the Pels

What a return game for Ingram though, after the injury.

Great return game for Favors too, double double, extremely efficient, blocks and steals.

Lonzo continues his shooting woes (he is now 31.9% from the field over his last 5 games, and 27.2% from 3 in the same span) but had a really good game acting as a connective passer, particularly in the first half.

The Jazz got absolutely screwed in overtime.

Man I love this team.. You wanna talk about HEART!!

These teams are in trouble when Zion returns, good luck helping out on BI with him dropping dimes off in the paint the way he does.

This was a great game

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Originally Posted by Npliam

The Jazz got absolutely screwed in overtime.

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Well, given that the Jazz only won the last game because the refs absolutely screwed us, and then this game only went to overtime in the first place because the refs absolutely screwed us again, I think you'll understand if there's very little sympathy forthcoming for Jazz fans.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

It's because 90% of the time he's spent on the court for his career so far he's been either entirely impactless or negative, and any criticism of him usually ends up with some people acting like the criticiser has kicked their dog.

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I think it’s because he banged someone’s girl, but sure, we will go with the 90% riffraff.

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Originally Posted by Npliam

The Jazz got absolutely screwed in overtime.

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Couldn't have happened to a more deserving team. Hahahaha.

Hahahahahahahahaha.


Hahahahahahahahahahaha.

Seriously. Ef Utah.

Holy crap that was amazing. The fact that the team didnt fold after getting screwed by the refs at the end of the game yet again shows that they have turned a corner mentally. You can just see the effort, trust, chemistry, and confidence building. You can see the effect that NAW and Hayes has on this team as well...their energy and attitude is contagious and I cant wait to see Zion bring it to the mext level. It is going to be awesome to see this team continue to improve. IMO the Pels have more potential to improve than any other team in the NBA

good game....was a lil mad that we didnt force the ball out of mitchell hands in the 4th but frank body bag him in the last minute in overtime and killed utah offense....

griff need to talk all that star talk that he put on jrue back and give that to ingram because dude is showing the killer instinct.....pecking order should be ingram,,zion,,jrue...jrue would be glad to be 3rd scorer.....

if we could have won those close games we lost, we would be in the 8th spot right now..i think...

One thing about this franchise is that we've had hope, real hope since the CP3, even Baron Davis days. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a Kings or Suns or Twolves fan

That was one hell of a game! I haven't been that excited for a regular season game in years!

Two mores games before Zion is back and we start blowing the doors off of good teams!

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Originally Posted by P_B_&_G

That was one hell of a game! I haven't been that excited for a regular season game in years!

Two mores games before Zion is back and we start blowing the doors off of good teams!

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What good teams? Lol

Only 14 of the Pelicans next 40 games are against teams .500+. The schedule is about to get astoundingly easier.

— David Fisher (@Fish_TBW) January 17, 2020

We barely play good teams for the rest of the year. We're about to hit the relatively easy stretch of the schedule. 26 of the next 40 games are against sub-.500 teams.

And no one pays attention to that....being as how Utah only beat one winning team in that 15 out of 16 run and all they ever got was praise.

So we are about to become hot ****.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

What good teams? Lol

Only 14 of the Pelicans next 40 games are against teams .500+. The schedule is about to get astoundingly easier.

— David Fisher (@Fish_TBW) January 17, 2020

We barely play good teams for the rest of the year. We're about to hit the relatively easy stretch of the schedule. 26 of the next 40 games are against sub-.500 teams.

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That might be true, but wont be seen until February. This stretch coming up is brutal.

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Originally Posted by luckyman

That might be true, but wont be seen until February. This stretch coming up is brutal.

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Yeah, the next 10 are pretty rough. That said, I think it's the kind of stretch we need to actually see if we're good, or if we've just been hitting a hot stretch. 6 of our next 10 games are at home.

1) Clippers at home
2) Memphis on the road
3) Spurs at home
4) Denver at home
5) Boston at home
6) Cleveland on the road
7) Memphis at home
8) Rockets on the road
9) Milwaukee at home
10) Chicago on the road

Like yes, Clippers, Rockets, Milwaukee, Boston, Denver, all of those are tough games. Even if we are actually good, those games would be hard.

But Cleveland and Chicago should be easy wins, and if we're legitimately serious about being a playoff team then Spurs and Memphis should be very winnable games too. Going .500 over those 10 games shouldn't be unrealistic if we're legitimately improved and serious about being a playoff team. These 10 games will reveal whether we actually have what it takes. And Zion will be back for 7 of them: no back to backs here.

Also worth noting: if 14 of our remaining games are against +.500 teams, and we play Boston, Denver, Milwaukee, Rockets, and Clippers in the next 10 games, then that tells you that only 9 of our final 30 games are against teams which are +.500 right now.

21 out our final 30 games are against sub-.500 teams. That is an absolute invitation to close the year strong and get on a roll. That's as optimal a closing schedule as you could ask for.

One thing is for sure is that there isnt a conspiracy by the league against us with the bad officiating. Lakers vs Pels in the first round could conceivably set a record for viewership of a first vs eighth seed matchup. The NBA would love to see this happen

Unbelievable win tonight guys. Let’s enjoy this one.

I’m just enjoying reading. Really can’t think of much to say I’m still so excited about this win.

Yeah. I'm still juiced. Gonna be a late night.

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Originally Posted by 6warddude

good game....was a lil mad that we didnt force the ball out of mitchell hands in the 4th but frank body bag him in the last minute in overtime and killed utah offense....

griff need to talk all that star talk that he put on jrue back and give that to ingram because dude is showing the killer instinct.....pecking order should be ingram,,zion,,jrue...jrue would be glad to be 3rd scorer.....

if we could have won those close games we lost, we would be in the 8th spot right now..i think...

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This right here about Ingram and the pecking order. This is becoming Ingram’s team and we need to roll with it.


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Seeds in the West after tonight

1) Lakers - 33-8 (.805)
2) Nuggets - 29-12 (.707)
3) Clippers - 29-13 (.690)
4) Jazz - 28-13 (.683)
5) Rockets - 26-14 (.650)
6) Mavericks - 26-15 (.634)
7) Thunder - 23-18 (.561)
8) Grizzlies - 19-22 (.463)
9) Spurs - 17-22 (.436)
10) Blazers - 18-24 (.429)
11) Suns - 17-24 (.415)
12) Pelicans - 16-26 (.381)
13) Wolves - 15-25 (.375)
14) Kings - 15-26 (.366)
15) Warriors - 9-34 (.209)

We are 3.5 games behind Memphis for the 8th seed with 40 games left to play. We have games against Memphis (x4), Spurs (x3), Portland, Minnesota (x2), Kings, and Phoenix left in the final 40 games. That means 12 of the 40 games we have remaining are against the very teams that we're fighting for that 8th seed spot. A full 30% of our remaining games. Those games obviously hold double value, because they not only give us extra wins but they enforce extra losses on those competitors.

That's not even getting into how many teams those other teams all play each other, where obviously somebody has to lose.

It's weird to say that the Pelicans are more than halfway done with the season, only have 16 wins, and are still firmly in the playoff race. Insane.

It's exciting. On one hand, IF we could upset the Lakers.....after last season.....oh man.....greatest sports story of all time.....but more realistically is that we own Denver. We match up so well against them. Sneak into a higher slot and draw them and we could actually advance a round.

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Originally Posted by Sleeper

This right here about Ingram and the pecking order. This is becoming Ingram’s team and we need to roll with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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The all-star game will solidify it. EVERYONE VOTE!!!!

And that's no knock on Jrue. He is a great #3 that does all of the auxiliary stuff well. He's like the Steve Harris of this team. Maiden fans will know.

Really want to dominate the Jazz in a series with Zion and Favors. Just because now.

2020 Averages (must have played at least 5 games since the New Year! So Jrue, Melli, Okafor, not included.)

Brandon Ingram: 27.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists. 44.1%FG, 39.6%3PT, 86.7%FT
Lonzo Ball: 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists. 41.3%FG, 32.7%3PT, 53%FT
JJ Redick: 18.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists. 50.9%FG, 54.8%3PT, 100%FT (Redick is 18/18 on FTs in 2020)
Josh Hart: 10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists. 41.2%FG, 32.5%3PT, 66.6%FT
Jaxson Hayes: 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists. 75.6%FG, 56.3%FT
E'twaun Moore: 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists. 40.4%FG, 31.5%3PT, 63%FT
Derrick Favors:12.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists. 71.1%FG, 70%FT
Frank Jackson:8.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists. 45.2%FG, 23.5%3PT, 66.7%FT
Nickeil Alexander-Walker:7.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3 assists. 41.4%FT, 37.5%3PT, 50%FT

So what trends have we seen over the first 17 days of 2020? Well, Ingram's scoring and assists are up on his season averages, while his rebounding has taken a slight dip: this is likely because we've seen more Favors recently, so he's eating up a lot of those boards. Ingram's FG% and 3pt% are both a little down on his season averages, while his FT% remains the same. A reason for this is probably just his increased overall offensive load: he's played several games without Redick to provide another spacing threat, and without Jrue to share ballhandling with, which means he's being asked to do more. That often coincides with a slight dip in efficiency: that said, obviously 39.6% from 3 is still really good, so it's only down relative to his own standards this season, not down as in bad.

Lonzo's counting stats are up (points, rebounds, assists) because without Jrue he is, also, being asked to do more: add to that playing a game without Ingram where he took 23 shots, and it's expected that his raw volume would increase. What's worrying though is that his 3pt% has dipped back down during this stretch. It's possible that this is just due to a lack of spacing, given Redick's absence for some of these games, so I wouldn't go nuclear over it yet: just something to keep an eye on. Moore's shooting has cratered during this span for likely the same reason.

Favors has been really good since returning, putting up an efficient double-double with good defense, NAW's stats are all up compared to his season averages (mostly because he's actually getting more minutes right now) and as Jaxson's minutes have gone up, so have his stats. This includes an increase in efficiency as well: Jax has been shooting around 65% on this season, but with the increased minutes he's been even better, hitting a wild 75.6% of his shots.

Meanwhile, Frank's shooting has been just wildly off since the New Year, shooting at Draymond Green levels, while his actual FG% has been okay. That coincides with something I think we've seen lately: when he attacks and drives, he's much better than when he's bombing away from deep.

Once Jrue and Redick are back, I expect we'll see some of these down percentages creep back up a little, as opposing defenses have to stretch that little bit wider and cover some more scoring threats, and we'll also see some drops in volume for guys like Frank and NAW. Of course, we'll probably see drops in volume overall for everyone once Zion is being integrated (those shots have to come from somewhere!) but again, the upside is that we might see another efficiency increase.

I don't remember when last time I was that excited about a basketball game. It certainly was not during 2018 playoffs. This game emotionally beats it, even if it's regular season. So proud of the guys, this is the most lovable Hornets/Pelicans team since Larry Johnson/Muggsy Bogues days of my childhood.

Haven’t seen Gentry’s name mentioned once! He must only get the credit when he loses.. Another great game by Gentry and not only winning this game once but did it twice! Now this is the most loveable team ever.. have I been gone that long!? Lmao!

If we make the playoffs i still expect us to got the Minty Williams/Dwayne Casey route and move in from Gentry. The rotations still struggle to make sense, and playing poorly against inferior teams is still a point of concern. If you can get a better coach in here, pull that trigger.

Gentry has been winning me over lately. Mostly looking at things from a big picture/developmental aspect. His Xs and Os have been better but not in this game. Mitchell was absolutely destroying us and it kept happening over and over and over again. Then Ball appeared to take it upon himself midplay to go to Jackson and and switch defensive positions with him. That's just what it appeared to me. Maybe Gentry told him to....I really don't know for sure but it looked like Zo took it upon himself. That is when we started to stymie their O a bit. I'll give more credit to Lonzo on this one.

Very odd but a reporter asked Lou Williams after THEIR game about Ingrams big night...

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

Haven’t seen Gentry’s name mentioned once! He must only get the credit when he loses.. Another great game by Gentry and not only winning this game once but did it twice! Now this is the most loveable team ever.. have I been gone that long!? Lmao!

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Tonight is exactly how Ive been wanting them to play offensively. THey laid off the 3 point crack and only shot 26. Then scored 64 points in the paint, 10 more than the Jazz. Then got to the line 35 times.

But I still dont trust him. Gonna take a lot more games like tonight to convince me. Especially when Jrue and JJ get back. We'll see if they stick to offensive discipline with the shot selection.

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Originally Posted by HartOfaPelican

So, everyone knows I’m down on Jrue.

With the sample size that we have had with him out. Are we a better team without him? Thus, justifying trading him for a young player and a pick?

Asking for a friend lol.

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Who is the younger player that is realistic and that you have in mind?

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

So is Ingram taking a mid ranger still a bad shot?

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Comparison I haven’t heard yet: Paul Pierce

He eerily gets his production similarly to the Truth. That midrange was looking automatic and unguardable last night

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Originally Posted by Ivan Balakhonov

I don't remember when last time I was that excited about a basketball game. It certainly was not during 2018 playoffs. This game emotionally beats it, even if it's regular season. So proud of the guys, this is the most lovable Hornets/Pelicans team since Larry Johnson/Muggsy Bogues days of my childhood.

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ME too! t was a really fun inside SKC. This is a real rivalry at this point! I'd love to see them in the playoffs. Screw the Tabernacle Choir!

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

Haven’t seen Gentry’s name mentioned once! He must only get the credit when he loses.. Another great game by Gentry and not only winning this game once but did it twice! Now this is the most loveable team ever.. have I been gone that long!? Lmao!

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No, I disagree. We were all watching those early games and the mistakes were often and glaring!

I don’t blame anyone on here for calling for his job. We lost 6-7 games strictly because of terrible coaching.

That being said, glad to see the big turnaround and the progression. What a huge win!

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Originally Posted by luckyman

Tonight is exactly how Ive been wanting them to play offensively. THey laid off the 3 point crack and only shot 26. Then scored 64 points in the paint, 10 more than the Jazz. Then got to the line 35 times.

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This. Last night I saw a viable offensive gameplan without ineffective 3PA and that was a joy to my eyes. If they keep playing to their strengths valuing each and every possession Gentry will turn me from sceptic into believer.

It didn't hit me until this morning how impressive this win was without Jrue or JJ on the floor.

BI did exactly what Antonio was saying to do all night. Don't just challenge Gobert, attack him! I find it really impressive that he was able to do that consistently without JJ spacing from 3 for him. That reverse jam was gorgeous, and the set-up with the cross over on the drive before he got to the rim was great, too! He was locked in last night.

Oh, and we have a Zion on the way.

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

So is Ingram taking a mid ranger still a bad shot?

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He shouldn't actively seek to take a bunch of them. But sprinkling in a few as he's already getting to the rim with ease and raining 3s is never a bad call.

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Originally Posted by GuardianAngel25

Haven’t seen Gentry’s name mentioned once! He must only get the credit when he loses.. Another great game by Gentry and not only winning this game once but did it twice! Now this is the most loveable team ever.. have I been gone that long!? Lmao!

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I like how you’ll only poke your head out when it's convenient, but you was a ghpst when the team was 6-22.

We all been saying that this is Gentry MO. Come out the gate a hot mess and then frantically climb back into come January.

Still inexcusable.

im not a nba coach but im still sticking with that this team work from the inside out to the 3 ball........pnr ,,drives and okafor getting inside points opens the floor up for us to take easy look 3s but im scared that when JJ and jrue come back we will shoot more 3s and run more plays for 3s instead of working inside out.....

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Originally Posted by AD-AT

It didn't hit me until this morning how impressive this win was without Jrue or JJ on the floor.

BI did exactly what Antonio was saying to do all night. Don't just challenge Gobert, attack him! I find it really impressive that he was able to do that consistently without JJ spacing from 3 for him. That reverse jam was gorgeous, and the set-up with the cross over on the drive before he got to the rim was great, too! He was locked in last night.

Oh, and we have a Zion on the way.

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