New Orleans Pelicans Show Fortitude in Win Over San Antonio Spurs
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
The New Orleans Pelicans barely escaped against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, thanks to a game-winning layup with 6.6 seconds left by their star forward Anthony Davis to lift the team to a 100-99 victory.
The Pelicans showed strength and confidence in this win, especially Davis (27 points, 11 rebounds), who was able to connect from virtually anywhere on the court thanks to his ever increasing range on the offensive side of the ball. Tyreke Evans also chipped in with 18 points and five assists. The biggest thing the Pelicans can take away from this win is that Davis has clutch shot-making ability, as he easily coasted past the Spurs’ Aron Baynes for the game winner.
After many seasons of disappointment dealing with a variety of injuries, the Pelicans demonstrated with this win that they are prepared to take the next step in order to become a legitimate playoff team this year. Davis’ strong play so far this season already has many people believing he might win the MVP this season, and the starting five of the team is the best they have had since the Chris Paul era.
For the Spurs, this was a difficult loss especially after coming back from 10 down and seeing a Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beating floater rim out, but they will forget about this loss in no time. They are all about the big picture and as long as they are healthy and playing well by the time the playoffs come around, that is all that matters to them.
This game was all about the maturity of the Pelicans, and the fortitude they showed in being able to bounce back after losing the lead and find a way to deliver the game-winning basket from their star player in the final seconds of the game. This game is a big building step moving forward for them.
Dan Schultz is an NBA sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
Bulls Should Consider Trading Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. can stretch the floor, but Doug McDermott can do that as well, and he can do that at a cheaper price. Read More
Thunder Should Consider Trading Reggie Jackson
As a number of injuries have derailed the Thunder’s season, Reggie Jackson has managed to become a bright spot in an otherwise bleak situation. But despite this, now is the time to trade him. Read More
DeGeneres’ Shout-Out to MCW Does Not Help Sixers
In a published essay, Michael Carter-Williams said one of the ways he copes with losing is to watch the Ellen DeGeneres Show every day and DeGeneres returned the love, but it did not help. Read More
Mario Chalmers Vital for Miami Heat
Read why Mario Chalmers has become a crucial piece to the puzzle for the Miami Heat. Read More
NBA Players Who Carried Their Teams On Their Back
These 10 players single-handedly carried their teams to great heights. Read More
Ingles a Steadying Force For Jazz Bench
He's not just there to hold Dante Exum's hand. Joe Ingles has improved the Utah Jazz bench. Read More
Video: Tim Duncan Explodes With Excitement
In the latest Foot Locker commercial, Tim Duncan explodes with excitement after receiving some great news from Derrick Rose. Read More
10 Best NBA Players Stuck On Awful Teams
The NBA is full of stars, from the best teams in the league to the worst. Who are the 10 best players that play for teams among the worst? Read More
5 NBA Teams That Should Trade For Kenneth Faried
After a report said that Kenneth Faried was not “well liked in the organization,” he could be on the move. If that is the case, here are five teams that should trade for Faried. Read More
Jason Collins to Announce Retirement From NBA
Jason Collins, who was the first openly gay athlete in North America's four major sports leagues, will announce his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday. Read More
Heat Need Ennis and Napier To Continue Balling
James Ennis and Shabazz Napier need to keep playing at a high level for the Miami Heat. Read More
Grizzlies Are Title Contenders This Season
The Memphis Grizzlies are proving that they are true title contenders this season. Read More