Rod Walker: ‘The brother is fearless’ and 4 other things we learned in Pelicans’ loss to Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 128-122 Wednesday night at the FedEx Forum. It’s just one game, so no need to overanalyze it. But here are five things we learned in the season opener.
1. Zion looks the part
Zion Williamson said and did all the right things this offseason. But the only thing that really matters is what he does on the court. He filled up the stat sheet Wednesday, finishing with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.
He started slowly, but got going in the second quarter.
The most impressive number may be the one that was in the minutes played column (33:28). He only had one game last season when he played that many minutes.
“He had a monster night for us,” Pelicans’ coach Willie Green said.
2. Still need a full 48 minutes
As was often the case last season, the Pelicans failed to put four solid quarters together. This time, it was the third quarter that did them in. They got outscored 41-22 in the quarter after leading by as many as 15. The Grizzlies got rolling and the Pels couldn’t stop the bleeding.
“If we’re trying to win, we can’t have quarters like that,” Williamson said.
3. Fears is fearless
Jeremiah Fears, drafted by the Pels with the No. 7 overall pick, made the very first shot he took as soon as he checked in for his NBA debut. And the buckets never stopped falling for him. He made 7 of his 10 shots and finished with 17 points, tied for second most on the team.
“His name says it all,” Williamson said. “The brother is fearless.”
Fears’ ability to get to the basket and finish will be a huge plus for the Pels.
His thoughts about his debut?
“I’m kinda hard on myself, especially if we don’t win,” Fears said. “I like to win and be on the top of the league. I would definitely say it was alright. But there is always room for improvement. I’ve got to go back home and get back in the gym.”
4.Center position gets thinner?
The Pelicans had just two healthy centers (Yves Missi and Hunter Dickinson) for the opener. Both Kevon Looney and Karlo Matkovic are dealing with injuries. They may be even thinner at the position with Missi leaving the game with an injury in the second half. Green didn’t have an update on Missi after the game, but the second-year center was seen limping near the locker room. That’s not a good sign, especially with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs coming to town Friday for the Pels’ home opener.
5. 3-point highs and lows
The Pelicans knocked down 7of 18 3-pointers in the first half on their way to a 67-56 lead. But those numbers dwindled in the second half. The Pels made just three more treys the rest of the way. Even worse, they only attempted nine more in the second half. For the night, they made 10 of 27 from downtown. Trey Murphy made just one of his six attempts. Saddiq Bey made just 1 of 5. It was an off night for Murphy, who played in a season opener for the first time since his second season. He’ll have to shoot better for the Pels to be successful. But again, this was just one game.
Up next for Pelicans: Friday vs. San Antonio Spurs (Smoothie King Center)
