THE New Orleans Pelicans there’s something to be enthusiastic about.
Regardless of the current damage to newly acquired guard Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans managed to maneuver to 2-0 on the season after trailing for many of Friday’s recreation towards the Portland Path Blazers.
Though New Orleans’ first half confirmed many flaws, the workforce adjusted properly to the break and earned a 105-103 victory on the Moda Middle.
One of many primary causes they have been capable of get again into the sport was their manufacturing off the bench, particularly sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins.
On Friday, Hawkins got here off the bench and scored 24 factors for the Pelicans, most of them within the second half. In his 29 minutes on the courtroom, he shot 66.7 p.c from the sphere, together with going 4-for-7 from behind the three-point line. He was excellent on the free throw line on 4 makes an attempt.
“He stayed aggressive… He labored for that second. He hit huge photographs, well timed photographs once we did not. As soon as he will get his shot going, he can shoot 4 or 5 in a single,” Pelicans head coach Willie Inexperienced mentioned after the win.
Though Hawkins performed roughly the identical minutes as he did within the season opener towards the Chicago Bulls, his position will undoubtedly enhance whereas awaiting Murray’s return. This new position might be crucial from the Maryland native, however it seems he is up for the problem. Requested about his sturdy efficiency on Friday, he did not appear shocked in any respect.
“It feels good, however I count on issues like that from me.”
Hawk on his huge night time pic.twitter.com/4UfyrivT1e
– New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 26, 2024
“It feels good, however I count on issues like that from me,” Hawkins mentioned.
He now averages 18.5 factors per recreation. Final season, over 68 video games, he averaged 7.8 per recreation in his rookie yr after being drafted by the Pelicans within the first spherical of the 2023 NBA Draft.
It was a reunion of kinds on the courtroom for Hawkins, as he performed Blazers ahead Donovan Clingan for the primary time within the Affiliation. After the match, they shared a pleasant alternate of phrases. The 2 have been teammates at UConn two seasons in the past, together with successful the 2023 NCAA nationwide championship recreation.
Star ahead Zion Williamson, who returned to the courtroom for the primary time this season after lacking the season opener on the Smoothie King Middle resulting from sickness, in contrast Hawkins to a different distinguished UConn alum and Corridor of Famer of the NBA.
“I inform him it jogs my memory of Ray Allen, having the ability to shoot on the transfer whether or not you are dealing with the basket or not…Hawk is a really gifted shooter, and I am glad he is with us.”
The Pelicans might be again in motion as they give the impression of being to win their third straight recreation to begin the season towards the Blazers. The information is scheduled for six p.m. ET on the Moda Middle in Portland.
