New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jaxson Hayes recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in his first career start Sunday night in a 108-100 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Hayes finished 3-of-5 from the field while he also added three blocks and a steal in 32 minutes of work. The eighth overall pick flashed his defensive potential on the court after having a couple of nice, chase-down blocks, nearly reminiscent to the iconic block by LeBron James in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Hayes has now scored in double figures in two straight games for the first time this season after recording 12 points Saturday night against the Miami Heat. On the season, Hayes is shooting 68.9% from the field and has rarely forced things so far, staying within his game on offense.
Jaxson put on a show and flashed some serious potential in his first NBA start! pic.twitter.com/ZIGDkSp2qB
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 18, 2019
In a season in which Zion Williamson has not yet debuted, the Pelicans have received solid play for their other two first-round picks in Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The team appears to have a bright future that will certainly only get better once the No. 1 overall pick returns to the court.
The Pelicans return to action Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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