The Pelicans almost put together a complete game tonight against the Pistons. Really, the only thing missing was the 3 ball, but that was to be expected when Gordon went down for a few weeks. There was also a brief lull in the 3rd quarter, but they did finish the game as strong as they have all season. Also, should we really complain about a game where Asik goes four for four from the free throw line?

The answer is no. No, we shouldn’t complain.

Here are some of my thoughts and observations.

• Replacing Gordon – In the preview post, I said I expected Alonzo Gee and Norris Cole to get some extra minutes. Those guys played around 17 minutes more than their season average. Toney Douglas took some of the minutes, as well. Alexis Ajinca got some run tonight too, though that probably had more to do with the competition than the injury report. We only got one minute of Luke Babbitt.

• Anthony Davis – Not exactly a huge stat line, but 32 points on 23 shots is always impressive. He did add 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. AD looks focused. I think he might not be thrilled with not being named an All Star starter (for pride and financial reasons).

• Tyreke Evans – He was great tonight, and he was actually pretty efficient… He was put into some very different positions tonight, which brings me too…

• Pelicans Offense – The Pelicans are starting to look a bit different on offense. The go to play to end the game tonight was the Anthony Davis – Tyreke Evans pick and roll. Of course, there was some derivations here and there. Sometimes it was out of horns with Ryno. Other times Ryno was in the corner. This change in offensive philosophy has been happening over the last few games so it isn’t about Gordon. Maybe we are seeing Gentry meet his roster half way. Gentry may have said as much in his post game interview when he said, “So, this is kind of like what I envisioned, being able to run guys and spread the floor.” So.. kind of like that.

• Andre Drummond – Is a monster. Full stop. Yes, his stats were absurd, but watching a man that big play defense that far away from the basket like that is incredible. He hasn’t put it all together yet, but if he does, I’ll trade anything to get him next to Anthony Davis.

• Norris Cole – He wasn’t efficient, but he had a well rounded stat line. It’s hard to be upset.

• KCP and Brandon Jennings – Remember when I said that one of the Pistons’ average shooters would go off against us? Well, KCP’s 3 point average this year was 32.2%. He went 3-7 (42.9%) tonight. Jennings was averaging 28.1%. He went 3-6. Ah, to be a Pelicans fans. Nevertheless, we held the Pistons below 100 points. Let’s just be happy.

• Playoffs – You’re about to hear a lot about the Pelicans and the playoffs.  Right now, the Pelicans are 4 games out of the loss column for the 8th seed, which is currently occupied by the Sacramento Kings. Yes, the Pelicans have an easy schedule coming up, but don’t get your hopes too high. We still have to overcome the Jazz, Trailblazers, Kings, and Nuggets, and this team still has its faults. If the Pelicans do make a run, it will require them building some confidence off a win streak this week and next. Also, if the Pelicans make a solid effort and they miss, then their draft pick won’t be nearly as valuable as it could have been.

That’s all, folks! The Pelicans take on the Bucks this Saturday in New Orleans.

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