CLUTCH: Pelicans Get Big Win Over Warriors, Take 8th Spot
Tonight was the single most important night in Pelicans history. Since re-branding from New Orleans Hornets no single night has held as much weight, and yielded as much sheer accomplishment as tonight.
Yesterday the Thunder were 42-35 and the Pelicans were 41-35. Tonight the Pelicans are 42-35 and the Thunder are 42-36. The Pelicans have secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, against one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
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Coming into tonight’s game the Warriors were 63 and 14, they had one of the highest point differentials in NBA history, their roster included one possible MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, a Coach of the Year, and a Most improved player.
The last time New Orleans beat them was April 24th of 2012, nearly three years ago.
Anthony Davis remarked at the end, “They said this would be a scrimmage. We took that personally.”
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates after a win against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
An idea existed before this match that it was possible Steve Kerr might “rest” his key players, and give the Pelicans the win since he would rather face them in the first round then the Thunder.
One thing needs to be absolutely clear. Steve Kerr rested exactly zero players tonight, he battled as hard as he could for the win, and the Pelicans beat them regardless. Nothing was given, and everything was earned.
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The game started as most Warriors game do. They have a knack for playing at an extremely elevated pace, while still maintaining a ferocious defensive presence. By halftime the Pelicans were down 43 to 55.
In the third quarter the Pelicans turned into the team so many Pelican’s fans dreamed they could become. The Pelicans have dealt with a plethora of debilitating injuries, and a lack of total continuity, but the fact remains that this team WORKS.
This team has held opponents to the second lowest three-point percentage in the league since the break at .333%. They are neutralizing the perimeter without Jrue Holiday, and patrolling the paint with Anthony Davis and Omer Asik.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) blocks a shot by New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
On offense Davis has become a player who now RUNS the offense instead of just participating in it. We now run a fluid and fast paced post oriented offense which focuses on ball movement and scoring with as little hesitation as humanly possible.
Earlier in the season almost every Pelican’s player had an inherent hesitation on the offensive end. They would receive the ball, survey the floor, waste superfluous time and then finally make move.
Watching the Pelicans now is wholly different experience. Quincy Pondexter and Eric Gordon have emerged as a FORCE from behind the arc. Since the break they are the third best three-point shooting duo in the league, they do this with zero hesitation, and complete offensive confidence.
All of these things came together in the 3rd quarter. The Pelicans outscored the Warriors 36-23, Anthony Davis went 5/6 after going 2/10 in the first half, Quincy Pondexter was 3-3 from deep, Tyreke Evans was passing like some Steve Francis-Magic Johnson hybrid, and Omer Asik absolutely patrolled the painted area.
What were the Warriors doing? They were forced into inefficient long-range post hooks and pull up jumpers. They had no answer for Anthony Davis, they weren’t communicating efficiently and most importantly, they were FRUSTRATED.
The Pelicans frustrated one of the greatest teams in NBA history. If not for Steph Curry the Warriors would have been absolutely blown out. Klay Thompson was held to 2/10, and Andre Igoudala was held to 3/10.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Quincy Pondexter (20) scramble for a loose ball during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Quincy Pondexter was 4/4 from deep, 6/7 form the floor and scored 20 points while playing lockdown defense the entire night. Expect a piece soon about how he has quickly become one of the most underrated players in the entire league.
Curry is an MVP for a reason though, and he fought back. The Pelicans built a five point lead with under 90 seconds to go, and he signal handedly demolished it. The Warriors scored a 2, and Curry hit a filthy step-back three with Pondexter practically glued to his torso.
It was tied, and there were 35 seconds left. The rest of the game was a bloodbath, and perfectly encapsulated what a “playoff atmosphere” really feels like. Ryan Anderson threw a lazy pass and Igoudala went after the steal, him and Tyreke went barreling into each other and flew down the court in a battle of pure will for the final possession.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) and Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) scramble for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The refs reviewed the play, and granted the Pelicans possession. Tyreke was tripped and sunk one of two free throws.
Pelicans up by one.
This is where Anthony Davis won the game. The Warriors gave the ball to Curry and he swam through the defense for a floater, Davis tracked him like a shark and contested the shot so perfectly the Curry lost control. Davis then forcefully snatched the ball off the glass and sunk 2/2 from the line.
Pelicans up by three.
Curry got the ball, he raced across the floor. The Smoothie King Center, now filled to the brim with its die hard fanbase-base went absolutely silent. Curry rose up, the ball glided through the air, rimmed out, and left the basket.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots a last second three pointer as New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) defends during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Pelicans win by three.
Tonight was an experience. The Pelicans made themselves the favorite for the 8th seed, the Thunder were obliterated, Anthony Davis made a clear statement to the league, and a team of misfit toys beat one of the greatest rosters in NBA history.
Years from now the Pelicans will be in the same position as the Warriors, they will ascend to NBA greatness, and we, the fans, will remember this game as the moment we knew it was going to happen.
It was by all accounts, a CLUTCH performance………..