By Justin Batiste
Anthony Davis makes his case for MVP, Luka scores 34 points!
Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 114-112. To start the game, the Dallas Mavericks looked as if they were going to win this game, but it was the defense of the Pelicans and dominance of Anthony Davis and Julius Randle that propelled this Pelicans team to a win over the Mavericks.
The Pelicans outscored the Mavericks in the paint 70-32. Guard, Jrue Holiday played well also, but Holiday was on the bench for most of the second half due to foul trouble. In the first half, the Pelicans gave up too many easy looks on defense and on offense, besides Jrue Holiday and forwards, Davis and Randle, the Pelicans couldn’t make shots. In the second half, the Pelicans started to rally together more stops, rebounded the ball well and executed better on offense.
Rookie, Luka Doncic was another reason as to why the Pelicans trailed for most of the game. Doncic, who last season played for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague couldn’t seem to miss tonight. Doncic finished the game with 34 points on 10-16 shooting. Tonight, Davis made himself another case for MVP. Davis finished the game with 48 points, 17 rebounds and a win. Davis was unguardable all through out tonight’s game. In the 4th quarter, as time was winding down and the game remained close, Davis continued to make the right plays. Rather it was him passing out of a double team or shooting a turn around contested jump shot. Davis made winning plays defensively and offensively, tonight, against a good Mavericks team.
After tonight’s game Davis MVP stock has definitely increased. However, the play of the Pelicans needs to increase. The Pelicans need more team contribution. Three-point shooting can be key to the success of the Pelicans this season. Next, the Pelicans will host the Rockets tomorrow, 6:00 PM central time, and the Mavericks will host the Thunder Sunday, 6:00 PM central time.
