The New Orleans Pelicans (24-41) continue their near free-fall after dropping the third game of five on this road trip, this time to the injured-but-plucky Milwaukee Bucks (28-38). Though the Pelicans lost the game 103-92, the game was both closer and even more out of reach than the score indicates.

The Pelicans spent most of the game playing catch up the rested Bucks . . . remember, the Pelican lost in overtime to the Grizzlies the prior evening, finally managing to grab a lead in the third and to be within 3 with 7:45 left to play. At that point, it just fell apart. The 10-2 run in the next 2:23 was enough to do it, but the lead swelled to 19 over he next 3:20 with another 10-2 run.

Overall, the play was ok, but the heart was a little better. Babbitt got the start with Holiday coming off the bench and Cole missing, and he made the most of it scoring 16 points, though on 17 shots, and grabbing 9 rebounds. Davis’ 29 points led the team, as did his 11 rebounds, and he suffered a cut over the eye. Holiday, though it was discussed how limited he would be, played 29 minutes, bringing his average minutes on this back-to-back to 35 minutes per game . . . hey, a per-game stat used properly . . . which is in line with his recent bump in minutes. Cunningham had another nice game, too, but the Pelicans simply did not have their act together with protecting the ball, with many turnovers being unforced, and the 3-ball killed them . . . their own.

This team did not quit, and it showed, and that is a change from earlier in the season. I also complimented Coach Gentry on tinkering with the depth chart and rotations before the game, and I’m glad it paid off. I do wonder where this was earlier in the season, and I wonder where it is with Asik or if it will ever be there.

The Pelicans next play the Warriors in the penultimate game of the road trip. The game is at 9:30 pm CT (UTC -5) and is on Fox Sports New Orleans and the Pelicans Radio Network, 99.5 FM locally.

One Comment