Pelicans Stars Outshine Suns, Win 110-106

The Pelicans may have put on their best offensive performance thus far in their 110-106 win against the Phoenix Suns.

Davis, Anderson, Evans, Holiday and Asik all hit double digits, and shot a combined 56% from the floor. Holiday and Anderson combined to post a 6-9 mark from three. Tyreke wanted to join the party, but only managed to hit 1-5.

Dec 30, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard

(11) passes as Phoenix Suns center

(21) and guard

(1) defend during the second half of a game at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The most pleasant surprise of the game came from Jimmer Fredette, who hit his season high in minutes played with 21, and they were VERY well deserved. All night Jimmer was sticking to Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe well enough to warrant extended minutes. He was firing lasers to everyone from Ryan Anderson to Omer Asik to Dante Cunningham. He allowed his teammates to get shots that simply would not have existed if not for these passes.

Late in the third quarter the Suns were attempting to start a fast break after a Pels miss. Jimmer not only penetrated the Phoenix break, he also gained control of the ball and found a wide open Anderson who promptly sunk a three. He was even on the court in the final minute of the game and knocked down two clutch free throws.

The rest of the team was certainly enjoying the first extended New Orleans Jimmer experience, and if he plays like this more often there will be more to come. He finished tonight with 9 points, 4 assists and zero turnovers.

Oct 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette (32) against the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 117-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Rivers played 22 minutes, but he made almost no impact in this game.

The efficient offensive play of New Orleans took a hit from the free throw line tonight, where the misses were contagious. Davis, Holiday, and Fredette knocked down 10-10 opportunities. The rest of the team managed a horrid 8-19. Every shot counts and the Pelicans cannot afford to give up free points. Nights like these are aberrations, but this one nearly cost New Orleans the game.

Phoenix took great care of the ball all night and only turned the ball over 6 times. This made it hard for the Pels to earn back points missed from free throws. New Orleans’ 13 offensive rebounds proved to be enough to get them over the hump, providing just enough extra opportunities.

Goran Dragic and Gerald Green gave the Pels trouble all night. Green took advantage of his open looks early, putting up 15 points in the first half before finishing with only 17. Most of the open shots were created due to the incredibly craftiness of Dragic. If there is a definition for dissecting a defense, Dragic’s picture must sit right beside it. His fantastic court vision is a problem for every team he faces, and the Pels were no exception.

Holiday, Evans and Jimmer were able to communicate well enough to give Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas a rough night. Bledsoe did get to the free throw line 12 times, but he was never allowed to get into a rhythm before it was too late. Thomas shot 2-10 for the night, which proved to be a definite key to the Pelicans victory. Shutting down any of the Suns three stud guards is hard, but the Pelicans managed to pull them off.

All of the excitement regarding the backcourts tonight almost overshadow the performances of Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson. Davis was clearly not the focal point of the offense tonight, but as great players do, he still managed to make a significant impact. He posted 19 points and a season high 18 rebounds while also disrupting a lot of suns opportunities at the rim.

Dec 30, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward

(11) during the second quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson had a great night. He hit his first 8 shots, including his trio of three point bombs, and finished with 19 points. Each game he seems to become more and more comfortable with his funky-but-efficient post game. As his game expands, he becomes more and more crucial to the future of the team.

With the score tied at 100 and about 1:30 left on the clock, Tyreke Evans took over. He scored 8 straight points during this time, consisting of appreciated 4-4 from the free throw line and a tough lay up over Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe and Dragic did manage to retaliate with a couple tough shots, but New Orleans stood their ground.

After Jimmer’s two points from the charity stripe, the Pelicans stopped the Suns and clinched their victory 110-106.

New Orleans looks to end 2014 on a winning note tomorrow night against the San Antonio Spurs.