NBA Power Rankings week 14: OKC Thunder among the ‘road warriors’
team. 69. . 18-29. Previous: 17th. New Orleans Pelicans. 18
New Orleans Pelicans:
Offense: (109.5) 17th
Defense: (112.6) 25th
Net: (minus -3.0) tied 23rd
Results Week 14: (1-2): Won vs. Grizzlies: 126-116, Celtics: 123=108, Lost to Spurs: 117-121, Nuggets: 106-113
Games Week 15: (3 games)Tues at Cavaliers | Fri vs. Grizzlies | Sun vs. Rockets
The long awaited debut of Zion Williamson started off with a whimper but ended with a bang as the rookie went on an absolute terror scoring 17 consecutive points including four 3-pointers in a three-minute stretch.
That some Pelicans fans were calling for Alvin Gentry to be fired for taking Williamson out of the game is ridiculous. Sure- let him play and get reinjured and miss the remainder of the season – then how would you feel?
It bodes well for the Pelicans that the youngster showcased just how capable he is and what stood out even more than his 17 point breakout was the energy he affords the team. When a club struggles or falls into sections of the game where the offense isn’t rolling energy plays such a big part of the equation.
Think of games where a block or dunk works to send energy into the venue and it’s easy to see how Zion will help his squad even when he’s not scoring.
Coming into week 14 the Pelicans had won nine of their last 13 games. They split their matches this week which helped them close on the Suns (who won a single game) but didn’t do much to help them make up ground on any of the Blazers, Spurs or Grizzlies. Although beating the latter early in the week will help their overall cause.
Moving forward, Williamson’s energy and ability to mow down anyone in front of him should open the floor for his teammates, particularly Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram and JJ Redick. That said, Ingram is best when he has the ball in his hands creating. We’ll need to keep an eye on how the chemistry between the two works and how they function together.