[ad_1]
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 06: Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Trey Murphy III #25 react throughout a preseason recreation on the Smoothie King Heart on October 06, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: Consumer expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {Photograph}, consumer is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Photographs License Settlement. (Photograph by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Photographs)
You gained’t see them on the prime of the Rookie of the Yr race, however three New Orleans Pelicans rookies got here up huge on Sunday night time to provide the Pelicans a significant comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado all confirmed out, because the Pelicans defeated the Lakers 116-108. This allowed them to leap the Lakers within the standings, taking on because the ninth seed out West.
New Orleans Pelicans rookies shine in comeback win over Lakers
Murphy poured in 21 factors (all within the second half) and Jones put up a career-high six steals to associate with 16 factors. Alvarado had a quiet recreation on the stat sheet (4 factors, one rebound, two assists), however ended the night time stealing the headlines, as he signed a four-year contract to stick with the group.
Alvarado’s rise has coincided with the Pelicans’ resurgence since a gradual 3-16 begin. Within the 40 video games since Alvarado joined the rotation persistently, the group has posted a 19-21 document, a major enchancment.
The rookie level guard has garnered some consideration from national writers like Zach Lowe for his intelligent steals, and he’s making himself indispensable to the Pelicans’ rotation along with his unbelievable protection – and naturally, his taking pictures:
Although Alvarado didn’t steal the present throughout the Lakers recreation, the Pelicans’ two drafted rookies stepped as much as carry the group to victory.
Jones has been a key piece for New Orleans this season, going from a second-round decide to a constant starter getting deserved All-Defense buzz (albeit largely from native media) in only a few brief months.
Versus the Lakers, Jones’ protection shined as regular in his six-steal efficiency, however he pitched in on the offensive finish as effectively, contributing 16 factors on an environment friendly 3-of-7 from deep.
Murphy III was the shock performer for the Pelicans on Sunday night time. He has been stored in examine this season by coach Willie Inexperienced’s rotations, however he was prepared when referred to as this time, chipping in 21 factors in 25 minutes.
Murphy’s 25 minutes was his third-highest minute whole in a recreation this season, and he rewarded coach Inexperienced with the second 20+ level recreation of his profession.
The teen’s performances are trending upward because the Pelicans look to realize a play-in berth. His 5 highest-scoring video games have all occurred for the reason that begin of February, and within the final ten video games, Murphy has been taking pictures 48 p.c from deep in constant minutes, taking part in over 10 minutes per recreation.
This victory over the Lakers places the Pelicans within the driver’s seat for his or her play-in hopes. New Orleans now sits half a recreation forward of the Lakers in ninth and owns the tiebreaker with yet another matchup to go in opposition to LA.
It’s been a roller-coaster 12 months for the Pelicans with Zion Williamson’s harm looming over the group for a lot of the season. After a nightmare begin, it’s been the rookies choosing up the slack and serving to key gamers Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas lead the Pelicans to constant victories.
With Zion again subsequent season, these rookies will fill out a deep and proficient roster that would trigger some issues within the West. However with the rookies choosing issues up on the proper time, don’t rely out the Pelicans making some play-in noise this 12 months, too.
[ad_2]
Source link
