Atlanta Hawks has issued honest verdict regarding key players amid Piston clash…

In the most recent episode of the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast on November 3, 2023, Joe Cardosi and Jim Eichenhofer provide a recap of the Pelicans’ game against the Detroit Pistons, highlighting standout players from the Pelicans’ recent performances, and offer a glimpse into their upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.

Daniel Sallerson, who was previously part of the Pelicans radio crew but now covers the Atlanta Hawks, is a guest on the podcast. He shares insights about the Hawks’ roster and his perspective on the current lineup of the Pelicans.

Following the Pelicans’ victory over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 125 to 116, the Pelicans hold a 4-1 record, while the Pistons stand at 2-4. Despite missing two Western Conference All-Stars due to back-to-back games, the Pelicans managed to secure the win. CJ McCollum, who is arguably one of the best NBA players without an All-Star appearance, had a remarkable performance with 33 points, including 25 points in the first half. Additionally, the Pelicans benefited from the excellent shooting of Matt Ryan, who was added to the roster in October, and a double-double by center Jonas Valanciunas with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans displayed great energy and led by as much as 25 points before halftime.

Key points from the game include:

1. All hands on deck: With key players unavailable, the Pelicans’ rotation players stepped up and supported the starters, including McCollum, Herb Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas.
2. JV in the paint (and beyond): Valanciunas played a significant role in the offense, using his size advantage to score and contribute on the defensive end.
3. Elite playmaking: The Pelicans showed excellent ball movement and limited turnovers during the game, with multiple players contributing with assists, and Dyson Daniels leading with six assists in 25 minutes of play. Kira Lewis Jr. also provided four assists off the bench.

Noteworthy statistics from the game:

• New Orleans improved their three-point shooting to 26/53 during the back-to-back, compared to a slow start of 1/21 in a previous game.
• Four Pelicans players scored 20 or more points, with Herb Jones achieving a season-high 21 points while maintaining impressive field goal and free throw accuracy.
• The Pelicans were highly efficient at the free-throw line, making 33 of 35 attempts, in contrast to a challenging performance in the previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunde.