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Thanks to BenDerDonDat and fshabazz for providing the title and summary. Really, not much more needs to be added, but then, we wouldn't be doing our job.
The Kings jumped out to a 38-20 advantage after the 1st quarter, the Pelicans made a nice run in the 2nd frame to cut the deficit to 8 at halftime and then the Kings resumed to overwhelm the home team throughout the rest of the game.
As I feared in the preview, the Kings have recently been lighting up opponents and their high scoring triumvirate have had a big say. Tonight, the Thomas-Gay-Cousins trio combined for 79 points, 22 rebounds, 22 assists, 6 steals, 4 blocks and 8 three's.
Your welcome.
Game Notes
- Eric Gordon didn't make his first field goal until late in the 4th quarter. Unacceptable. If he didn't feel like playing, he should have alerted Monty Williams to find someone who would.
- The energy wasn't there with most of the group, but unlike Gordon or Al-Farouq Aminu, Anthony Davis still contributed in a positive manner: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks.
- Jeff Withey was the star of the game. His line, although nice (14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and ONLY 1 miss from the field and the charity stripe), doesn't justify how much he's our best option to receive future minutes at the center position. He'll probably continue to miss assignments or get pushed around, but he deserves time over Greg Stiemsma and Alexis Ajinca. With the Pelicans playoff hopes all but dashed, it's vital Withey starts gaining valuable experience like yesterday. The team isn't in rebuilding mode and it should be expected they'll challenge for the playoffs as soon as next year. So, let's get the player who will be the most important cog out of the remaining centers NOW.
- Austin Rivers continues to mystify -- can't hit a FT to save his life but goes perfect from beyond the arc. However, as with Withey, he deserves to see plenty of action. Who knows, he could figure out some more things before the season is out and, in a perfect world, becomes a significant contributor on a playoff team.
- Greg Stiemsma (you just had to know I needed to get another shot in) needs to be pushed to the end of the bench. On twitter, Jake Madison (Bourbon Street Shots writer) dropped this gem:
So the old dude in the balcony who always yells near the Pelicans bench has a sign that says "Please No Steimsma"
— Jake Madison (@NOLAJake) January 22, 2014
Both @ticktock6 and @RosewoodOrDie corroborated that this pleasant fellow is likely a long time season ticket holder who goes by Verne. First off, great work good sir! Second, could you possibly make that sign bigger for our next home game? THANKS!!!