In the preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks, the New Orleans Pelicans flexed their newly-acquired muscle on Monday, earning a 131-106 win.
With runs of 14-0 and 9-0 in the opening half, New Orleans built a double-digit first-half lead, increased it in the third quarter and then cruised through the final period. Jrue Holiday led all scorers with 21 points while Brandon Ingram had 19 and Zion Williamson 16.
The Good: The starting lineup
The obvious concern with a starting lineup that features Lonzo Ball, Holiday and Ingram is a lack of spacing. Ball succeeding with his new shot – more on that later – and Holiday and Ingram going a combined 5-of-9 from beyond the arc provided ample spacing.
The best part about the lineup, though, was the ball movement, spacing and pace. Regardless of if shots are falling, that specific lineup that started tonight will find its best success in flying around the court, making plays offensively and defensively. Tonight, it was effective and efficient. And it’s only preseason game number one.
Honorable mentions: The bench, Zion Williamson dunking everything and ending Damian Jones’ career
The Bad: It was only a preseason game
If the Pelicans had drawn it up themselves, they hardly could have scripted a better start to the preseason. Every play looked good in at least one way or another. The new acquisitions in Ingram, Ball and Josh Hart all played well. Holiday played at his typically high level. Williamson was as exciting as you’d hope. But nobody remembers preseason results or records.
Honorable mentions: Damian Jones’ attempt at blocking Williamson
The Ball: A new-look shot and a new partner
It’s hard to pick which part of Ball’s game was more exciting on the night. He showed off his new jumper and finished 3-of-8 from three-point territory. If he finishes the year as a 37.5 percent three-point shooter, he’ll be one of the best young guards in the game.
He also continued to show his chemistry with Williamson. While there were no alley-oops on the day, the two connected for an and-one to start then did the same later on a fastbreak after Ball blocked a shot on the defensive end.
His final line of nine points, seven assists and five rebounds in 25 minutes is what fans have come to expect from Ball. His 3-of-10 shooting wasn’t pretty but going 3-of-8 from beyond the line is a bigger takeaway.
