Friday evening, it took 50 points CJ McCollum so that the Pelicans impose themselves in the face of Wizards. Sunday evening, he “only” needed 25, but with a triple-double of Dejounte Murray (14 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds), so that New Orleans garners this second success in two matches against Washington (110-98).
While Trey Murphy III adds 22 points and 8 rebounds, as well as a big poster on a Alex Sarr attractive (18 points, 11 rebounds), Kyle Kuzma finished top scorer of the evening with his 28 points, without Bilal Coulibaly or Jordan Poole. Note that Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are still missing for NOLA.
In order to achieve their first series of victories since… the first two games of the season, the Pelicans relied in particular on this controlled first half, where they took the advantage at the end of the first quarter, at heart of this 17-0 which put them very well for the entire meeting, under the leadership of Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray.
Certainly dominant in the paint, thanks to their interiors including the French Alex Sarr, who confirms his good pass of the moment, the Wizards can regret their lack of regularity behind the arc, as well as their lack of discipline to avoid giving throws -free gifts to their visitors. CJ McCollum’s teammates, still effective in shooting, were therefore quick to take advantage and (temporarily) find a smile in the heart of this catastrophic season.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– New Orleans leaves worst record in Washington. The Pelicans are no longer the worst team in the league, as they leave this inglorious status to the Wizards thanks to their winning doubleheader over the weekend. On the one hand, the worst team in the West has a record of 7 wins and 29 defeats (or 19.4% success rate). On the other hand, the worst team in the East, and therefore in the NBA, has a record of 6 wins and 27 losses (or 18.2%).
– One “run” was enough for NOLA. In the lead all game, or almost, the Pelicans stunned the Wizards in the first half, when they managed a series of… 17 points between the end of the first quarter and the start of the second. Bringing the score from 22-19 against them to 36-22 in their favor. Then, Willie Green’s players were able to capitalize on this lead of around ten points until the end, without (too) looking back.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
