Pelicans Beat Bucks 114-103 Behind Davis’ Career Night
Today’s NBA superstars treat post game interviews like interrogations. They’re too concerned with the way the media will portray them to answer questions honestly and with confidence.
If they aren’t busy justifying their own play-styles they take jabs at someone else’s, just this week Steve Kerr bashed Darryl Morey and James Harden when asked about this season’s tight MVP race instead of giving an honest opinion.
Anthony Davis tied his career high tonight. With complete honesty and confidence he gave credit to his teammates and confirmed the league would have to take the 8th seed from his dead body if he was going to lose it.
Tyreke Evans went down with an injury tonight and Norris Cole was asked to step up in his absence. When Fox News reporter Jen Hale asked Davis if the team could still compete for the eighth seed despite these injuries he voiced complete trust in his teammates.
When she asked if Norris Cole specifically could handle the starting job Davis promptly reminded her Cole was a 2-time NBA champion.
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So what has led to the Pelican’s suddenly elite chemistry?
Earlier this season an article from Sports Illustrated was published about the death of Ryan Anderson‘s girlfriend Gia. In the article Anderson remarks how Monty Williams held him when he was unstable, motivated him to push forward, and instilled a sense of confidence and self-esteem he still retains today.
You can question the analytical mind of Monty Williams, but he has clearly succeeded in developing and motivating this young Pelicans team.
His ability to inspire and lead has been the reason for the Pelicans recent success despite tragic injuries. In a league full of statisticians and human calculators the ability to connect might be more important than you’d think.
Tonight’s game started the same way it ended, with complete confidence.
You could tell the Pelican’s were gelling because Omer Asik swung a no-look pass to Anthony Davis for a slam dunk in the first few minutes. Yes that’s correct, Omer Asik who can barely complete a simply lay-up was pretending to be Magic Johnson.
The Pelicans and the Bucks were trading runs for the majority of the game. The Bucks went on a 9 point run in the first few minutes and the Pelican’s promptly pulled out an 8 point run of their own.
A large reason was the burst from the Pelican’s bench, by halftime Luke Babbitt was the only Pelican who hadn’t scored and almost everyone was contributing in their own way.
Anthony Davis was also basically unconscious from midrange. He hit a one-legged fadeaway and a step back jay in only a few minute span and had 20 points by halftime.
He was also noticeably more comfortable passing and play-making out of double teams which is something he has struggled with in the past.
In the third quarter the Pelicans faced yet another loss. With 1:23 left in the third Tyreke Evans fell to the ground in pain, and injured his ankle in transition.
Mar 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) reacts after being injured during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelican’s trainers were forced to walk him off the floor, leaving his teammates in a place somewhere between depression and anger. Luckily Norris Cole was inspired to take the team’s reins.
The Pelicans and Bucks traded baskets up until the last few minutes. Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo were both taking full advantage of their pterodactyl shaped bodies and scoring at will.
With a little less than two minutes left in the game Asik and Michael Carter Williams both dove for a ball before it went out-of-bounds.
The referees reviewed the tape and after what seemed like forever decided the Bucks should be granted possession. After the call Williams drove hard to the hoop, and Asik responded by simply ripping the ball out of Williams hands the second he got near the rim.
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With less than a minute left Davis tied his career high of 43 points and put the Pelicans up by five. He also ended the game with 10 rebounds and a career high six assists.
He even passed the ball off to Norris Cole in the final seconds so Cole could score on the team’s final free throws.
Mar 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) holds the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans basketball hasn’t seen this kind of team chemistry since the days of Chris Paul.
The Pelicans are firing on all cylinders and have a sense of collective trust and confidence that is owed to head coach Monty Williams. He looks determined to lead this team to the playoffs and so does the rest of his roster.
Over his last four games Anthony Davis is averaging 33.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks on 58% shooting.
He and his team of underdogs just might knock the Oklahoma City Thunder back into the NBA lottery, and push themselves into the NBA playoffs.
The clock is ticking…….