Using a starting lineup that New Orleans Pelicans fans may never see again, Stan Van Gundy’s team slowed in the second half in a 126-103 home loss to Atlanta.
Injuries were the story of the night heading in, as Trae Young missed the contest for Atlanta while what feels like half of the Pelicans roster was out with varying degrees of ailments.
The good news for New Orleans is that Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are listed as day-to-day, but for Lonzo Ball’s hip injury there has still yet to be a definitive timeline set. Josh Hart is expected to miss significant time with a thumb injury. Put it all together, and the Pelicans had to rely on the offense of Eric Bledose, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and surprise sources.
After a fast first quarter start led by veteran James Johnson, who finished with 16 points on the night, New Orleans lost each of the final three quarters. Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for a Hawks team that was missing their main man on the offensive end.
In just his second game with the team after coming over from the Los Angeles Clippers, Lou Williams turned back the clock. The former Sixth Man of the Year put father time on hold with 19 points and 8 assists to lead the bench unit.
While a veteran had his first big moment in a new city, the lone bright spot for New Orleans came in the form of a rookie. Kira Lewis Jr. finished with a career-high 21 points for the home team, including a pair of made threes.
The Pelicans struggled from outside as a team, going just 8-29 from deep compared to 13-29 for Atlanta.
Next up for New Orleans is a road matchup with the struggling Houston Rockets on Sunday evening.
