Pelicans defy all odds by achieving what seemed like the impossible

The New Orleans Pelicans have achieved the impossible…seven games into the season they have finally won their first game. The 116-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets was fought for and earned by the Pelicans. No Zion Williamson, no problem.

Jose Alvarado took a huge step tonight, bringing energy to both ends, hitting big shots and reminding everyone why he is the heart and soul of this team. Alvarado knocked down a clutch three to give New Orleans the 113-112 lead with just over 16 seconds to play. Without his eighteen points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, the Pelicans would still be winless.

The style of play I preached to this group before the season started was exactly what we saw tonight, and look at the result. Perseverance, energy and competitiveness were all brought to bear, and it resulted in a win, despite leaving their best player behind.

This was also the first game where Trey Murphy III started to look like himself. 21 points on 5/10 shooting from three was an overall solid showing from him. Hopefully this will help him get his swagger moving again.

The Pelicans’ hero tonight was one of their most inexperienced guys

Derik Queen was unreal tonight. He was tied for second on the team in plus-minus as +13. He defended well, got the game-winning steal, was a playmaker, scorer and rebounder.

Tonight Queen looked like the complete package at the five. 12 points, eight rebounds, seven dimes with four steals, in just 18 minutes, that’s ridiculous, especially for a rookie.

After Willie Green talked about how Kevin Looney’s return would make it harder to find DQ minutes, he made a statement that he belongs in this team’s rotation because of the confidence he plays with and his versatility.

Queen had three pretty bad turnovers in this game, but he didn’t let it get him down like most rookies would. Instead, he continued to make winning plays and push his butt on both ends to make up for his mistakes when he had the ball.

Another important player to mention in this one is Karlo Matkovic. In his season debut, the second-year big man absolutely showed up. It’s like every time I look at him he gets it more athletic. He had several monster jams in this one, adding to his 13 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes.

I hope Willie Green showed tonight that Matkovic, if healthy, should be a top priority coming off the bench.

While there has been a lot of negative surrounding the Pelicans lately… tonight is not a night for that. The first victory of the season deserves a purely positive post. We can save the skepticism for tomorrow lol.