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The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz 100-96. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points, four rebounds and five assists for New Orleans. Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors finished with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Before I go into detail about the game, The Bird Writes passes on its condolences to the family of former Pelicans head coach Monty Williams on the lost of his wife, Ingrid. Ingrid Williams, just 44 years of age, passed away after suffering injuries in an automobile accident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Monty and his family at this moment in time.
The one game I get to see in recent weeks and Norris Cole stops the hot streak. Regardless, the Pelicans came out and played well against the Jazz. As the score would suggest, it was close throughout. The two teams found themselves tied 19 different times throughout the game. There were positives. Specifically, I liked the defense on the three point line. Some of Hayward's attempts were just misses, but the Pelicans did a good job of forcing them off the line and creating hesitation.
And while the Pelicans didn't eclipse 100 points, I liked New Orleans' overall game. The Pelicans had everyone that entered the game score the ball. Some more than others - you would like a bit more from Ryan Anderson (3-10, 7 points) and Anthony Davis (7-15 (good), 19 points). Still, Jrue Holiday played well off the bench and you had 17 points combined from Toney Douglas, Omer Asik, and Alonzo Gee. There was some good creation from Holiday, too.
This Utah team is good. Really good. A bunch of young guys who have different skillsets working as a team. Derrick Favors played well, Rudy Gobert did his best attempt to stifle anything New Orleans wanted at or around the rim, and while they don't have a sole point guard/creator, I love what Utah does with Rodney Hood, and it helps that he can both run the O at various points, and score in isolation.
A good win for the Pelicans on a night where hearts were heavy in New Orleans. Full recap coming up soon.