Down several key players, rookie Herb Jones stepped up with a career performance and helped lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jones produced a team-high 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in a 108-104 win. He went 10-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 36 minutes of work as the Pelicans have won six out of their last eight contests.
The Pelicans entered the contest without Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others due to injuries and health and safety protocols so the team needed Jones to be more aggressive. He responded, and put forth his best game of the season.
Pelicans head coach Willie Green said Jones was huge in the win.
Herb has been great all season. I just think he is getting more comfortable. His confidence is growing and he was huge for us. We need all of his points. … I love what he does all around for us. Offensively, he can attack, play multiple positions. He gives us a little bit of what Josh (Hart) gives us, which is being able to attack the basket and make plays for his teammates.
Jones is averaging eight points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range. However, during the month of December, Jones is posting 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
While known as a defender, Jones has put in countless hours in the gym this season to improve on offense. He is often the first in the gym and last to leave and that work has paid off with another impressive shooting display versus the Cavaliers.
Jones credited his teammates for finding him on offense.
With some guys being out, they told me I had to be more aggressive and that’s what I tried to do. I feel like my teammates did a great job of finding me on the cuts and just flowing into me throughout the game. I know there were a couple of shots I didn’t take early on but they were just saying, ‘Go out and play your game and don’t try to think too much,’ and that’s what I did.
The early-season success of Jones this season has resonated with the coaching staff and his teammates. He has often drawn praise throughout the season from several players on the roster with Garrett Temple the latest to talk him up.
I’ve gotten to know Herb as a person. He is the epitome of a great teammate, a great player. He is somebody that you want on your team. He is going to be in the league for a very, very long time.
Jones has certainly impressed the coaching staff and his teammates seemingly on a nightly basis with his hustle, work ethic and defensive ability. He has consistently produced when called upon and that should ensure only good things are in store for him this year.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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