The New Orleans Pelicans closed out their season with a 133-127 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Down a host of players in the season finale, big minutes were afforded to the likes of Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Frank Jackson, allowing fans a glimpse into the future.
The Good: Josh Hart
Lonzo Ball who? Josh Hart was incredible on Thursday evening. He finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, tying a career-high in assists. He also played 35 minutes, blocked a shot, grabbed a steal and hit seven of his 13 shots.
On a night when New Orleans top six players sat, Josh Hart did basically everything they would have done anyway.
Special shoutouts to Alexander-Walker and Jackson, who combined to 60 points on 42 shots.
Honorable mentions: Kenrich Williams finishing with a +12 and 0 points
The Bad: This game existing
This was mentioned in Tuesday’s game and bears repeating tonight, especially with a game with the highest of stakes on at the same time. It was always a natural byproduct of the playoff seeding and the format of the game.
But Thursday’s game was marginally less pointless than Tuesday’s game only because Orlando will eventually be in the playoffs. And given Orlando’s injury woes right now, they likely wouldn’t have even opposed calling the game off.
Honorable mentions: Like everything else
The Ball: Expert level cheerleading
Lonzo Ball sat out the game for rest, ending his season one game early.