I wanted so hard to enjoy Michael Carter-Williams regression to the mean in the fourth quarter of that game.  I wanted to enjoy Davis ripping cord for 43 points in the flow of the game as well.  But, of course, the Pelicans had yet another injury as Tyreke rolled his ankle in the third and did not return.  No word yet on the severity of the injury.

The story of the game really was Davis.  The Pelicans played great team ball in the first half as Davis drilled his open shots but moved the rock when he was blitzed – en route to racking up 6 assists.  He was finding Gordon on the wing, Asik near the rim, and the team just played gorgeous offensive basketball against the 2nd best defense in the league.  They did give up a few more turnovers than you would like, but playing against the team best equipped to turn you over, that’s alright.

Observations

• Ready for the Video game line?  43 points on 23 shots, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers and 3 fouls for Anthony Davis.  He missed 6 shots and 2 free throws all night.  Davis wasn’t missing anything – be it jumpers, runners or putbacks.  Crazy night.  Crazy.
• Giannis was impressive with his ability to get into the paint off a couple dribbles, get his shoulder into his defender, and then hit a little short shot from the paint.  Kid could be good.
• Pelicans dominated the glass in this one.  They should against this team though.  The Bucks have been bad rebounders all year.
• Ajinca had his worst game in a a few weeks as he just didn’t have anyone he could guard easily.  The entire Bucks front line were too good of shooters, or too quick on the move.  It led to a bunch of fouls and some struggles for Ajinca making moves with the ball against his defender.
• Eric Gordon’s shooting has become sick.  You just don’t think he’s going to miss on a catch and shoot at all anymore.  Sadly, when Tyreke went down, he really struggled against all the length to be the lead guard – but that’s why Dell Demps got Norris Cole.  Does anyone honestly think the Pelicans aren’t playing this well if Dell hadn’t acquired Cunningham, Pondexter, and Cole this season?  And does anyone remember what the team gave up for that?  Salmons and Rivers?  In Dell We Trust.
• Davis flat out willed the team to the victory in the fourth.  The Bucks kept storming back, and he kept calmly drilling jumpers from places he shouldn’t.  It truly was a superstar performance.
• Elliot Williams gave a nice spark off the bench when Tyreke went down.  Hey look!  Another contributor out of nowhere!
• Jerryd Bayless continues to be terrible.  Overrated dude.

Next game is tomorrow night!  Come watch it at our Tracy’s Watch Party!

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