The New Orleans Pelicans broke their seven-game losing streak in a big way with the 143-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. This game marked the return of Jordan Poole, who had been sidelined since the November 5 offseason with a quad injury. In this return Poole finished with 22 points. Although he was not very efficient, shooting 8/19 from the field and 3/11 from three, his impact was palpable.
The Pelicans have been missing someone outside of Trey Murphy III for a while that they can just hand the ball to and trust to create their own offense, and Poole reminded everyone that’s what he was brought in to do. Once again, JP didn’t play an efficient game, but when he did score, it was at times when the Pelicans desperately needed a bucket. His return also adds another piece of space to this team’s offense, making life more difficult for opponents.
Mr. Consistent Trey Murphy III continued his incredible play tonight, finishing with 23 points on a ridiculous 76 percent from the field. Murphy III continues to prove he is one of the league’s rising three-level scorers with his ability to kill defenses in transition, from beyond the arc and in the half court.
His play also takes a leap: he finished this with four assists for just one turnover. Murphy III’s development as a playmaker is the clear next step toward All-Star talk.
Bryce McGowens was also a standout in this win, matching his career high of 23 points in this one to go with seven rebounds and 5/5 shooting from beyond the arc. He is developing into a nice young player for this team, and someone I hope will remain in this rotation even as players return from injury.
Rookies continue to impress
These are the types of wins you want if you’re Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars. Not only because your veterans stood out and increased their trade value, but your rookies showed up as well.
Starting with Derik Koningin, I like what I see from him under James Borrego as he has become the focal point of this team’s offense. The ball runs through him and it works, which is something teams often can’t say about their new big man. Queen continues to put on these monstrous performances, finishing this win with 17 points, five boards, seven dimes and two steals.
Jeremiah Fears played the fourth most efficient game of his career tonight, scoring 19 points on 9/14 shooting from the field. Watching this game, it seemed like so much weight had been lifted off Fears’ shoulders by sliding Poole back into the rotation because it gave the team a new guard they could rely on to generate offense. Fears also continues to impress me as a rebounder, especially considering his frame, finishing this one with six rebounds.
Finally, Micah Peavy, who didn’t play until 3:57 into the third quarter, but somehow finished the game third for the team in plus-minus as a plus-15. As usual, Peavy came in and was immediately energized. Less than a minute after coming on, he generated an offensive rebound that resulted in two points. He also knocked down a three and finished the game with five points, three rebounds and one assist in just 11 minutes.
#Pooles #return #reminds #Pelicans #fans #valuable