I wanted to bring some attention to the line-up on the floor at the end of this game. It was the finishing five we talked about being so good last year – and they came in and turned a 4 point deficit into a 7 point advantage in a little over four minutes. It’s not the outcome that is really that surprising.
I just wanted to point it out, though, because people do forget how bad the injury bug has been to this team and its ability to play its best players – because in minute one of that stretch, the line-up of Davis-Anderson-Evans-Gordon-Holiday broke double digits together for the season.
Now – the team has been bad past the point where not having that line-up explains, but it is a really sad thing to contemplate 27 games into the season.
Observations
- Davis was on fire in the first quarter, then ran back to the locker room to be sick for two quarters, get an IV, and then came out and finished the last half of the fourth. His line in those 19 minutes – 9 of 13 for 27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and three defensive plays in the fourth that finished Denver. It was AD in all his glory – and his unfortunate penchant for missing a little time here and there.
- If Gee is your answer defending the perimeter, give up. The fouling is ridiculous.
- Gordon wasn’t even getting shots in the first, but started working his ways into layups and open shots while being the third options in line-ups with Anderson, Jrue and Tyreke. And he hit his shots for 20 points on 11 takes.
- Evans had one of his usual games – rumbling everywhere, looking terrible at moments, but generally causing chaos. His efficiency was high against a non-existant Denver defense and he put down 21 points on 13 shots to go with his 8 rebounds and 10 assists.
- Babbitt played a few minutes and is growing out his hair again. You needed to know that.
- Jrue is looking better, and remains a terrific on ball defender. I challenge you, however. Next game, watch him when he’s guarding the weakside and decide if you think he cheats too far over too often. I think it’s pretty bad, really.
Next game is Wednesday as the Pelicans return home from the roadtrip.
6 responses to “Pelicans finishing five take down Denver”
Excellent observation. However we need help. Pointdexter return is vital. I did research on Kareem is 7’2 225 lbs. A.D. 6’10 220 at lease. Why isn’t he playing center in the low post ? Kareem played against all types of big man. This present group of center by no means compare to those guys. A.D. should have a field day against this present day centers. That would enable the Pels to get a legi power forward. to help on the boards and defensive in. What do you think?
kfte The strength training (and the resulting athletes) between that era and this one is a night and day difference. Davis can do it for a few games at a time, but asking him to play there full time is just going to cause even more injuries.
Asik had a heck of a game tonight, too. I was happy for him.
kibner kfte I see you have low expectations. Just think we got this guy for 5 years.There are guys in the D League can give you what he has brought to the table.
I completely agree that Jrue’s cheats over way too much on defense when his man does not have the ball. It would be one thing if he was actually good at anticipating the offensive plays and was helping the defense. But more often than not he’s just sinking way back in or right outside the lane and he’s not guarding anything. He’s not cutting off other players and he’s too far from the guy he is supposed to be guarding. He got benched briefly against Utah for giving up a 3 this way. Erman please talk with Jrue about this.
kfte Davis does not have a body conducive to banging in the low post for a full season. He also is not good in post-ups, so having him on the low block isn’t ideal, either.
There have also been lots of rule changes since the 70s and 80s to make low-post play more difficult than it has ever been.
Great write up…
I had a really awkward moment watching the replay of the Utah Game at home when I yelled out in excitement “The Finishing Five are on the Court!!!” (my gf had no idea what I was talking about). And its nice that they closed this game out too.
Love to see the finishing five end 2nd quarters as well as the end of games to get some more playing time under the belt. I think at the moment their rating is based on too small a sample but its not hard to see that its an offensive force!
More finishing five!!!