National Basketball Association

New Orleans Pelicans Grades: Pels Crumble in Overtime Versus Suns

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New Orleans Pelicans blew plenty of chances for their first win of the year tonight against the Phoenix Suns, as they have now lost six games in row.

For the second straight game, the New Orleans Pelicans had a fantastic chance to close out their first win of the season against a Western Conference Foe.

And for the second straight time, they failed to execute.

The Pelicans have now lost six games in a row to start the season, as they fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime 112-111.

New Orleans held a five-point lead with just 1:43 left in the game. However, New Orleans could not score another basket in regulation, while Devin Booker buried a three-pointer to tie the game.

In overtime, the Pelicans once again had the lead, this time a one-point lead with eight seconds. However, the defense collapsed and let T.J. Warren throw down an easy slam to take the lead. New Orleans missed the potential game-winner and fell to 0-6.

Anthony Davis led the team with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Terrence Jones was the major surprise of the night, as he finished with 19 points on 9-14 shooting, seven rebounds, six assists and four blocks.

Those numbers look fantastic in the box score, but this is still an 0-6 team, whose season already looks in peril.

Tim Frazier

PG,

C-Tim Frazier had a very poor game tonight. Mike Conley gave him constant problems throughout. His lack of size and Conley’s speed with the ball put him in poor defensive positions. On offense, he could not get to the basket with ease versus the Grizzlies size. He was a non-factor on both ends.

E'Twaun Moore

SG,

C-E’Twaun Moore is struggling to fill a role that is probably bigger than his skill set. Moore guarded Devin Booker tonight, who put up 38 points and the shot that sent the game into overtime. Not all of that is Moore’s fault, but he was the original matchup Booker started his scoring fest with. E’Twaun is playing well on the defensive end at times, but tonight was a rough outing for him. Offensively, his shot is still far from effective and his limitations are making it very hard for him to help the starting unit.

Solomon Hill

SF/PF,

CSolomon Hill’s impact on the floor continues to be minimal at best. He had some strong moments on the defensive side of the ball tonight, however his lack of shooting is really killing the Pelicans. He shot only five attempts, the second least of the nine players in the game. His 30 minutes was the third most of any Pelican. While his game fit well on defense tonight, his inability to make his shots from deep and space the floor properly hurts this team every time he’s on the floor.

Terrence Jones

PF/C,

ATerrence Jones had a fantastic game tonight, even in a loss. Next to Anthony Davis in the starting lineup for the first time this year, Jones thrived with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four blocks. He took full advantage of his mismatch with the Suns’ small fours. There was not much more Jones could do, especially when Alvin Gentry sent him to the bench for the crunch-time moments of the game. It has to be frustrating to have a loss next to a game like this for Terrence when the coach kept him from finishing the job. However, it’s another area he and Anthony Davis can relate to. Maybe it’ll grow team chemistry?

Anthony Davis

PF/C,

C+Anthony Davis has returned to planet earth. Memphis has always given Davis some problems in the past. Tonight was no different. Davis put up just 10 points on 3-13 shooting, with seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals. His five turnovers and five fouls showed his struggles versus a tough frontcourt for the Grizzlies. The Pels had a shot to win before overtime, yet the play set up Davis for a three-pointer. In hindsight, it might not have been the best decision.

Buddy Hield

SG,

B+Buddy Hield had his first solid NBA game. Hield shot 6-15 from the field and 4-9 from behind the arc for 18 points. His firepower helped the Pelicans claw back from two massive deficits, after the first and third quarters. Was his defense fantastic? No, but it was enough to give problems for the Memphis guards on switches. Hield is getting comfortable in the NBA. This is the kind of game fans want out of him.

Lance Stephenson

SF/SG,

A-Lance Stephenson had a game of great plays with some very questionable decision making. While you can hark on him for his late-game decision making, the Pelicans would have had no chance without his offensive explosion. Lance put up 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and four turnovers in the contest. While his play was crazy, he was the only Pelican attacking the Memphis defense inside. The Pelicans have been way too passive on offense this year. They need someone to be aggressive. Even if it’s not the most controlled, Lance is a necessity for New Orleans. He gave them a chance at a win tonight. Just not enough.

Omer Asik

AOmer Asik was the MVP of the Pelicans tonight. Yes, you heard that correctly. His offense was non-existent, but that’s not his job. His job is to command the paint and be huge on the defensive glass. He did that to perfection. The Grizzlies shot 35% from the field, greatly due to Omer’s interior presence. His 11 rebounds inside help shut down any second chance opportunities for the Grizzlies and got the Pelicans on the break, where they could attack Memphis. It was a fantastic game from him. Hopefully, this will give him some rhythm for the season to come.

Langston Galloway

PG/SG,

A-Langston Galloway’s offense has come to life! After what’s been a horrific start to his New Orleans career, Langston put up 18 points on 6-13 shooting from the floor. His 4-7 shooting from behind the arc forced the Grizzlies defense to the three-point line and open the floor up for others. It’s been a tough grind for Galloway on the offensive end. He’s been open a lot and has failed to cash in during previous games. Tonight, he delivered. His defense still needs some work, but he handled the switching well until overtime.

Alvin Gentry

Other Observations:

There’s only one way to get out of that trouble…with a win. The New Orleans Pelicans will be back on the road Monday against the Golden State Warriors in an attempt to find that win against the unlikeliest of teams. Tip is scheduled for 9:30 CST.