5 things to know from the Pelicans' 116-82 win against the Cavaliers
After an “embarrassing night” against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pelicans bounced back with a blowout 116-82 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New Orleans (16-22) built a 21-point lead at halftime and dominated the third quarter allowing the reserves to close out the matchup.
“It was a pretty consistent effort tonight,” Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said. “Those kinds of games are feel-good games for teams when everybody plays. We unfortunately let Minnesota do it at our expense last night. It’s a fun night for a team when everyone gets in the game, gets to play, and gets to be a part of it.”
Here’s five things to know from the Pelicans win
Jaxson Hayes was a spark
Hayes checked in midway through the fourth quarter and hit his five shots. He finished Friday nights contest with 13 points, six rebounds and a block.
The second-year center also brought a lot of energy off the bench which he said has been his goal since earning more minutes.
“He’s been good. He’s doing what we need him to do,” Van Gundy said. “That has emerged as probably – I wouldn’t even say probably, that has emerged as our deepest position right now. We’re three deep (at center) with quality guys. Jaxson’s played well and brings that energy to the game and we just want him to continue with that.”
Big nights from the front court
Along with Hayes, the Pelicans got a big night from the frontcourt. Brandon Ingram scored a game-high 28 points, Zion Williamson added 23 and center Steven Adams posted a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds.
Decided advantage rebounding the ball
Behind Adams 17 rebounds, the Pelicans out-rebounded the Cavs 70-33. The rebounding advantage lead to a 19-6 New Orleans advantage in second-chance points.
Much better defense
The Pelicans held the Cavs to just shooting from the floor and limited the Cavs to just nine points in the third quarter.
"The energy in the room was good. We knew exactly what we wanted to do,” Ingram said. “We played loose. We played free. Everybody got to their strengths on the basketball floor and we continued to do it. We knew in the third quarter that we had to make a huge push so we can keep the momentum in the game, and that's what we did.”
Zion does Van Gundy impression
Van Gundy said Williamson gave the postgame speech he would’ve given Friday.
“I don’t think he missed a word,” Ingram said of Williamson’s speech. “It was right on cue. Something that we kind of hear from him every single game we play and it’s just encouraging us to move on to the next one and try and stay consistent in what we do when we get to a high point.”
