INSIDER
Hapless Pelicans 'embarrassed' by their 'disgusting' loss to the struggling Raptors
Read full article: Hapless Pelicans 'embarrassed' by their 'disgusting' loss to the struggling RaptorsDejounte Murray says his New Orleans Pelicans teammates should be āembarrassedā and āreally madā about their latest loss.
Dejounte Murray is rejoining the Pelicans vs. Toronto and drawing inspiration from his mother
Read full article: Dejounte Murray is rejoining the Pelicans vs. Toronto and drawing inspiration from his motherDejounte Murray says he plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicansā lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23.
Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a left hamstring injury, Pelicans say
Read full article: Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a left hamstring injury, Pelicans sayThe New Orleans Pelicans say Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain that will sideline him indefinitely.
Mitchell scores 29 and the Cavaliers beat the Pelicans 131-122 for their first 9-0 start
Read full article: Mitchell scores 29 and the Cavaliers beat the Pelicans 131-122 for their first 9-0 startDonovan Mitchell scored 29 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122 to open 9-0 for the first time in their 55-year NBA history.
Thunder brushed off questions about youth, inexperience, in first-round playoff sweep of Pelicans
Read full article: Thunder brushed off questions about youth, inexperience, in first-round playoff sweep of PelicansThe Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs facing questions about their relative youth and playoff inexperience.
Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, lead OKC to a 97-89 Game 4 victory -- and sweep of the Pelicans
Read full article: Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, lead OKC to a 97-89 Game 4 victory -- and sweep of the PelicansJalen Williams highlighted a 24-point performance with a back-breaking 3 with three minutes left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 97-89 to complete a four-game sweep of their first-round playoff series.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder roll to 3-0 series lead with 106-85 win over the Pelicans
Read full article: Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder roll to 3-0 series lead with 106-85 win over the PelicansShai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 106-85 on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points lead Thunder past Pelicans 124-92 as OKC takes a 2-0 lead
Read full article: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points lead Thunder past Pelicans 124-92 as OKC takes a 2-0 leadShai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Ingram, Valanciunas lift Zion-less Pelicans past Kings and into the playoffs
Read full article: Ingram, Valanciunas lift Zion-less Pelicans past Kings and into the playoffsBrandon Ingram scored 24 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans booked a spot in the NBA playoffs with a 105-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a play-in tournament elimination game.
Butler, Williamson injuries are part of story for Heat-Bulls and Kings-Pelicans play-in finales
Read full article: Butler, Williamson injuries are part of story for Heat-Bulls and Kings-Pelicans play-in finalesAll four teams in the finales of the NBA play-in tournament on Friday night are dealing with injury issues.
Zion Williamson out for playoff play-in game vs. Kings; out 2 weeks if Pelicans advance
Read full article: Zion Williamson out for playoff play-in game vs. Kings; out 2 weeks if Pelicans advanceZion Williamson has been ruled out of the New Orleans Pelicansā Western Conference play-in game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday night because of a left hamstring injury.
LeBron James and the Lakers beat Pelicans in play-in, earn a playoff rematch with the Nuggets
Read full article: LeBron James and the Lakers beat Pelicans in play-in, earn a playoff rematch with the NuggetsLeBron James had 23 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers secured a playoff berth with a 110-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
LeBron James' triple-double lifts Lakers over Pelicans and into a play-in rematch with New Orleans
Read full article: LeBron James' triple-double lifts Lakers over Pelicans and into a play-in rematch with New OrleansLeBron James had 28 points, 17 assists, 11 rebounds and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 124-108 victory over New Orleans that dropped the Pelicans out of a coveted top-six seeding.
Victor Wembanyama has key late block, Spurs rally to beat reeling Pelicans 111-109
Read full article: Victor Wembanyama has key late block, Spurs rally to beat reeling Pelicans 111-109Victor Wembanyama scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half and had a crucial block on Herb Jonesā shot in the final seconds to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-109 victory over the reeling New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111
Read full article: Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111Devin Booker scored 52 points, the fifth-highest scoring game of his career, to power the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, bringing them within a game of the Pelicans for the No. 6 playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Jimmy Butler, Naji Marshall are among 5 players suspended after Heat-Pelicans incident
Read full article: Jimmy Butler, Naji Marshall are among 5 players suspended after Heat-Pelicans incidentMiamiās Jimmy Butler and New Orleansā Naji Marshall have both been suspended for one game for instigating an on-court altercation that happened during the Heat-Pelicans game on Friday night.
Heat's Jimmy Butler, 3 others, ejected after scuffle with Pelicans
Read full article: Heat's Jimmy Butler, 3 others, ejected after scuffle with PelicansMiamiās Jimmy Butler was among four players ejected after a scuffle early in the fourth quarter in the Heatās 106-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Lakers score 87 points in a spectacular first half and roll to a 139-122 victory over Pelicans
Read full article: Lakers score 87 points in a spectacular first half and roll to a 139-122 victory over PelicansDāAngelo Russell scored 30 points, Austin Reaves added 27 and the Los Angeles Lakers rode a spectacular 87-point first half to a 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Williamson caps 33-point outing with winning layup as Pelicans overcome Spurs 114-113
Read full article: Williamson caps 33-point outing with winning layup as Pelicans overcome Spurs 114-113Zion Williamson had 33 points, including the winning layup over three defenders with 3.8 seconds left, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-113.
Top 1-and-done NBA prospects have made a big impact in the AP Top 25 college basketball poll
Read full article: Top 1-and-done NBA prospects have made a big impact in the AP Top 25 college basketball pollTop one-and-done NBA prospects are making a big impact in their college team's AP Top 25 standing.
Ja Morant scores 34 in return from ban, hits game-winner at horn to lift Grizzlies over Pelicans
Read full article: Ja Morant scores 34 in return from ban, hits game-winner at horn to lift Grizzlies over PelicansJa Morant capped a stirring, 34-point season debut with a spinning dribble in the lane to set up a game-winning floater as time expired in the Memphis Grizzliesā 115-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
LeBron James scores 30 points, Lakers rout Pelicans 133-89 to reach tournament final
Read full article: LeBron James scores 30 points, Lakers rout Pelicans 133-89 to reach tournament finalLeBron James scored 30 points in less than three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers steamrolled the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 on Thursday night to reach the championship game in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
NBA division preview: Southwest champ Grizzlies start without Morant, Spursā Wembanyama set for debut
Read full article: NBA division preview: Southwest champ Grizzlies start without Morant, Spursā Wembanyama set for debutThe Memphis Grizzlies wonāt have suspended star Ja Morant for 25 games at the start of their pursuit of a third consecutive Southwest Division title.
Michael Jordan's decision to sell the Hornets leaves some team decisions in flux
Read full article: Michael Jordan's decision to sell the Hornets leaves some team decisions in fluxThe timing of Michael Jordanās decision to sell his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets leaves the franchise in flux, with several key personnel decisions upcoming.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Pelicans in play-in
Read full article: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Pelicans in play-inShai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his 32-point night with a go-ahead baseline jumper and four clutch free throws in the final 29 seconds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 to remain alive in the Western Conference play-in tourament.
Siakam, Edwards, Fox added to NBA All-Star Game roster
Read full article: Siakam, Edwards, Fox added to NBA All-Star Game rosterToronto forward Pascal Siakam, Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards and Sacramento guard DeāAaron Fox have been added to the player pool for the All-Star Game as injury replacements.
Jokic returns to Nuggets in New Orleans after 2-game absence
Read full article: Jokic returns to Nuggets in New Orleans after 2-game absenceNikola Jokic was back in Denverās starting lineup Tuesday night against New Orleans after missing the Nuggetsā previous two games because of tightness in his left hamstring.
Brown scores season-high 41 points, Celtics beat Pelicans
Read full article: Brown scores season-high 41 points, Celtics beat PelicansJaylen Brown scored a season-high 41 points and had 12 rebounds and the Boston Celtics won their fourth straight game, holding off the New Orleans Pelicans 125-114 on Wednesday night.
Williamson powers Pelicans past Popovich-less Spurs, 117-99
Read full article: Williamson powers Pelicans past Popovich-less Spurs, 117-99Zion Williamson scored 30 points and matched a career high with 15 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans rolled to a 117-99 victory Friday night over the San Antonio Spurs, who were without coach Gregg Popovich.
Williamson has season-high 32 points, Pelicans beat Spurs
Read full article: Williamson has season-high 32 points, Pelicans beat SpursZion Williamson had a season-high 32 points along with 11 rebounds and the New Orleans Pelicans never trailed Wednesday night while handing the San Antonio Spurs their sixth straight loss, 129-110.
Warriors 0-6 on road, fall to Pelicans with 4 starters out
Read full article: Warriors 0-6 on road, fall to Pelicans with 4 starters outThe defending champion Golden State Warriors fell to 0-6 on the road, losing 114-105 to Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins sidelined.
Murphy leads under-manned Pelicans past Mavericks, 113-111
Read full article: Murphy leads under-manned Pelicans past Mavericks, 113-111Trey Murphy III scored 22 points and the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans overcame Luka Doncicās latest prolific performance to beat the Dallas Mavericks 113-111.
Zion scores 25 points in return, Pelicans rout Nets 130-108
Read full article: Zion scores 25 points in return, Pelicans rout Nets 130-108Zion Williamson returned from a one-year absence with 25 points and nine rebounds, powering the New Orleans Pelicans to a season-opening 130-108 rout of the Brooklyn Nets.
Chris Paul takes over in 4th, Suns beat Pelicans 110-99
Read full article: Chris Paul takes over in 4th, Suns beat Pelicans 110-99Chris Paul scored 19 of his 30 points during a brilliant fourth-quarter shooting display and the Phoenix Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-99 on Sunday night in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.
Pelicans earn 105-101 win over Clippers, claim No. 8 seed
Read full article: Pelicans earn 105-101 win over Clippers, claim No. 8 seedBrandon Ingram scored 30 points and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the depleted Los Angeles Clippers 105-101 in a play-in and earn the Westās No. 8 seed for the playoffs.
These players won (and lost) sports bettors the most in 2021
Read full article: These players won (and lost) sports bettors the most in 2021Here are some athletes who were money in the bank for sports bettors this year: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans and Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
Pelicans' Williamson out at first week of regular season
Read full article: Pelicans' Williamson out at first week of regular seasonPelicans forward Zion Williamson is expected to miss at least the first week o the regular season because his recovery from surgery to repair a right foot fracture is taking longer than anticipated.
AP Source: Pelicans, Grizzlies, agree to multi-player trade
Read full article: AP Source: Pelicans, Grizzlies, agree to multi-player tradeA person familiar with the situation says the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to trade center Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for center Steven Adams, guard Eric Bledsoe and an exchange of first-round choices in this weekās draft.
AP source: Pelicans, Green negotiating, but no deal yet
Read full article: AP source: Pelicans, Green negotiating, but no deal yetA person familiar with the situation says the New Orleans Pelicans are negotiating with Suns assistant Willie Green about taking over as head coach but no deal is in place and discussions could extend beyond the NBA Finals.
James scores 25, tweaks ankle as Lakers top Pelicans 110-98
Read full article: James scores 25, tweaks ankle as Lakers top Pelicans 110-98LeBron James scored 25 points before he appeared to mildly aggravate a right ankle injury,and the Los Angeles Lakers closed out the regular season with a 110-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA fines Pelicans' Griffin $50,000 for Zion comments
Read full article: NBA fines Pelicans' Griffin $50,000 for Zion commentsThe NBA has fined New Orleans Pelicans executive David Griffin $50,000 for publicly criticizing officiating over how star Zion Williamson is handled and making comments that the league considered detrimental.
DeMar DeRozan scores 32 points, Spurs beat Pelicans 110-108
Read full article: DeMar DeRozan scores 32 points, Spurs beat Pelicans 110-108DeMar DeRozan scored 11 of his team-high 32 points in the final 7:40 and made all 12 of his free throws in the San Antonio Spursā 110-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Knicks rally late, top Pelicans in OT for 6th win in row
Read full article: Knicks rally late, top Pelicans in OT for 6th win in rowJulius Randle had 33 points and 10 assists, Derrick Rose made huge plays all over the court to spark New Yorkās streak-saving finish and the Knicks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 122-112 in overtime for their sixth consecutive victory.
Durant's perfect return fuels Nets' 139-111 rout of Pelicans
Read full article: Durant's perfect return fuels Nets' 139-111 rout of PelicansKevin Durant returned from a 23-game absence to spark Brooklynās most explosive half of the season, finishing with 17 points and perfect shooting in the Netsā 139-111 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ingram, Williamson pace Pelicans in 128-111 win over Lakers
Read full article: Ingram, Williamson pace Pelicans in 128-111 win over LakersNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)NEW ORLEANS ā Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 36 points, Zion Williamson had 27 points and nine rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 128-111 on Tuesday night. Ingram helped keep the Pelicans comfortably in front with 17 points in the third quarter, showcasing his mid-range repertoire of pull-ups, fades and turnaround jumpers. Pelicans guard Josh Hart ā like Ingram an ex-Laker who was part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles ā grabbed 15 rebounds to go with five steals. ... Steven Adams had 12 points and seven rebounds.
USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games pool
Read full article: USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games poolUSA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summerās rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. Itās also already drawing major interest from some NBA stars who have yet to taste Olympic gold. USA Basketball will pare the list to a 12-person Olympic team by early summer. Jordan, who now plays for Brooklyn, is also a newcomer to the pool even though he was on the 2016 Olympic team. āBut for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.ā
Still perfect: Team LeBron wins NBA All-Star Game 170-150
Read full article: Still perfect: Team LeBron wins NBA All-Star Game 170-150Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo hols up the trophy after basketball's NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta, Sunday, March 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA ā Even in the strangest NBA All-Star Game of them all, LeBron James was still the perfect captain. AdAfter showing it could handle shots up close, Team LeBron headed outside in the final seconds of the half. It was 3, 3, 3, 3, 3.āThe atmosphere at State Farm Arena was downright eerie compared to a normal All-Star Game. UP NEXTThe 71st All-Star Game will be held Feb. 20, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
James, Durant choose their teams for Sunday's All-Star Game
Read full article: James, Durant choose their teams for Sunday's All-Star Game1 overall pick on Antetokounmpo ā the NBAās two-time reigning MVP from Milwaukee ā in the draft for Sundayās All-Star Game in Atlanta. Kevin Durant, who will not play in the All-Star Game because of injury but still is the captain for Team Durant, took Brooklyn teammate Kyrie Irving with his first pick. This is the fourth year of the NBA's playing captain format for the All-Star Game. Itās the All-Star Game, so thereās going to be some shenanigans out there. AdTHE COACHESRivers, who played in one All-Star Game, is coaching the game for the third time.
Williamson pushes Pelicans past NBA-leading Jazz, 129-124
Read full article: Williamson pushes Pelicans past NBA-leading Jazz, 129-124New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket over Utah Jazz forward Georges Niang, left, and center Rudy Gobert, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)NEW ORLEANS ā Zion Williamson had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans held off a late Utah charge to beat the NBA-leading Jazz 129-124 on Monday night. Williamson scored 15 points and added a pair of assists in the quarter. ... Utah had its highest scoring second quarter of the season with 41 points ... Utah shot 45.5% (46 of 101), including 17 of 43 from 3-point range. Pelicans: Hart scored 13 points to go with seven rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan has 32 points, 11 assists in Spursā victory
Read full article: DeMar DeRozan has 32 points, 11 assists in Spursā victory(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)SAN ANTONIO ā DeMar DeRozan had 32 points and 11 assists and the short-handed San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 117-114 on Saturday night. Brandon Ingram had 29 points and Zion Williamson added 23 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans. It marked the fifth time DeRozan has had at least 25 points and 10 assists since joining the Spurs in 2018. Dejounte Murray added 18 points, and Lonnie Walker IV had 17 for San Antonio. San Antonio finished 12 for 32 on 3-pointers.
NBA chooses All-Star reserves, with Zion among first-timers
Read full article: NBA chooses All-Star reserves, with Zion among first-timersNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)New Orleans forward Zion Williamson now can be called an NBA All-Star, and only three others in the gameās 70-year history have gotten there at a younger age. Phoenixās Chris Paul is an All-Star for the 11th time, and Brooklynās James Harden is one for the ninth consecutive year. The rest of the reserves include Philadelphiaās Ben Simmons, Bostonās Jayson Tatum and Orlandoās Nikola Vucevic from the Eastern Conference, along with the Los Angeles Lakersā Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Clippersā Paul George, Utah teammates Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and Portlandās Damian Lillard from the Western Conference. But this will be his first time in the All-Star Game itself.
Doncic, Williamson hit career highs as Mavs top Pels 143-130
Read full article: Doncic, Williamson hit career highs as Mavs top Pels 143-130Doncic scored a career-high 46 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 36 and the Mavericks overcame Williamson's career-best 36 points in a 143-130 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The Mavericks matched their season best with a fourth consecutive victory and beat the Pelicans for the fifth straight time. The Pelicans gave up a franchise-record 25 3-pointers for the second consecutive game. Mavericks: Dallas finished above 50% shooting for the third consecutive game while improving to 7-0 when scoring at least 120 points. MORE HISTORY FOR DONCICDoncic tied a franchise record shared by Mark Aguirre (1983-84) and Dirk Nowitzki (2005-06) with his 13th consecutive game of at least 25 points.
LaVine scores 46 points, Bulls hit 25 3s to beat Pelicans
Read full article: LaVine scores 46 points, Bulls hit 25 3s to beat PelicansChicago Bulls' Zach LaVine dunks past New Orleans Pelicans' Lonzo Ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Chicago. LaVine scored a season-high 46 points, hitting nine of Chicago's franchise-record 25 3-pointers, and the Bulls cooled off the New Orleans Pelicans with a 129-116 victory Wednesday. LaVine and White became the first duo in NBA history to make at least eight 3s apiece in the same game, according to STATS. āWe (were) due for a good team shooting night,ā White said. Zion Williamson had 29 points for New Orleans, and Brandon Ingram finished with 21 points on 6-for-19 shooting.
AP sources: USA Basketball eyeing 60 players in Olympic pool
Read full article: AP sources: USA Basketball eyeing 60 players in Olympic poolNew Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots as Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)MIAMI ā USA Basketball is casting a wider-than-usual net in its roster selection for this summer's rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, two people with knowledge of the situation said Saturday. The additions mean at least 60 players could be on the player-pool list that will be released by USA Basketball in the coming weeks. ESPN first reported that USA Basketball has sent approximately 60 invitations to be part of the player pool. USA Basketball is planning a training camp and exhibition games.
Mitchell helps Jazz beat Pelicans for 7th straight win
Read full article: Mitchell helps Jazz beat Pelicans for 7th straight win(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY ā The Utah Jazz got off to a tough start. Then Donovan Mitchell and company pushed their way right past the New Orleans Pelicans. Mitchell scored a season-high 36 points, and the Jazz rallied to beat the Pelicans 129-118 on Thursday night for their seventh straight win. Ingram made all six of his shots, including four 3s, as the Pelicans tallied 43 points in the first quarter. Both Mitchell (21 points) and Ingram (20 points) posted season highs for a first half.
Mitchell scores 28, Jazz beat Pelicans 118-102
Read full article: Mitchell scores 28, Jazz beat Pelicans 118-102Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, left, goes to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY ā Donovan Mitchell had 28 points and seven rebounds, and the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Pelicans 118-102 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight victory. Ball finished with seven points, four assists, and three steals. ā¦ New Orleans scored 22 points off 14 Jazz turnovers. ā¦ Derrick Favors had nine points and seven rebounds in his first game against the Pelicans after spending last season in New Orleans.
Another 3 NBA games called off amid virus, 16 test positive
Read full article: Another 3 NBA games called off amid virus, 16 test positive(AP Photo/Nick Wass)Contact tracing issues involving the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards forced the NBA to postpone three more games Wednesday, raising the leaguewide total from this week alone to eight. With 497 players tested, that reflects a positivity rate of 3.2%. Phoenix's home game Wednesday against Atlanta was called off, as was the Suns' home game with Golden State on Friday. In the previous five weeks combined, only 15 players tested positive. But even the current week's rate is well below what the league dealt with going into training camps, when 48 players tested positive in the week before practices could formally begin leaguewide.
Brandon Ingram scores 28 points, Pelicans beat Spurs 98-95
Read full article: Brandon Ingram scores 28 points, Pelicans beat Spurs 98-95(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)NEW ORLEANS ā Brandon Ingram had 28 points and 11 rebounds and the New Orleans Pelicans held on for a 98-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. Zion Williamson had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans, scoring about half of his points on dunks. Lonzo Ball had 16 points and five steals, and Josh Hart had 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Keldon Johnson had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray had 13 points, but also turned the ball over six times. The Spurs were playing their second game in two nights after beating Toronto in San Antonio on Saturday night.
Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98
Read full article: Spoelstra stays perfect on Christmas, Heat beat Pels 111-98New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) dribbles against Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Joel Auerbach)MIAMI ā Erik Spoelstra remained perfect on Christmas, and a record-tying show from Duncan Robinson helped him stay that way. Robinson made seven 3-pointers ā tying the most on Christmas ever ā and scored 23 points, and the Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-98 to start the NBAās holiday quintupleheader Friday. Spoelstra moved to 8-0 on Christmas as coach of the Heat. COMING HOMEVeteran ref John Goble was crew chief and got to be home for Christmas; heās a Miami native.
Pelicans' Van Gundy talks teaching, commitment to defense
Read full article: Pelicans' Van Gundy talks teaching, commitment to defenseVan Gundy agreed to a four-year contract, according to one of the people who spoke Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hiring has not been announced. Van Gundy has a track record of bridging that gap between knowledge and talent with younger players in his previous coaching stops. āThere is a lot of teaching to do to bring these guys along,ā Van Gundy said Tuesday during a formal introduction via video conference because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the Pelicans, Van Gundy said, he saw ownership that had won a championship in a major professional sport, even if it was the NFL. Van Gundy called Williamson and Ingram ātwo of the most unique young guys in the entire league.āāThere's just a lot to build around there,ā he added.
Stan Van Gundy agrees to become New Orleans Pelicans' coach
Read full article: Stan Van Gundy agrees to become New Orleans Pelicans' coachTwo people with knowledge of the situation say Stan Van Gundy has agreed to become the next coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, where hell get the chance to work with No. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)Stan Van Gundy announced Wednesday that he is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he'll take over a promising team that includes No. Van Gundy said on his Twitter account that he was āexcited" and thanked Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and others for the opportunity. āIām excited to join a talented New Orleans Pelicans team," Van Gundy wrote. In New Orleans, Van Gundy will replace Alvin Gentry, who was let go after the Pelicans missed this seasonās playoffs.
Pelicans fire Alvin Gentry after 5 seasons as team's coach
Read full article: Pelicans fire Alvin Gentry after 5 seasons as team's coachFILE - In this March 20, 2020 file photo, New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry watches during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in New Orleans. The Pelicans have fired Gentry, Saturday, Aug. 15, after the club missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza, File)NEW ORLEANS The New Orleans Pelicans fired coach Alvin Gentry on Saturday after the club missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. Gentry was hired by former Pelicans general manager Dell Demps after the club fired Monte Williams following the 2014-15 season, when Anthony Davis was the face of the franchise. Odds makers favored the Pelicans to make the playoffs, but they were eliminated after dropping four of six after resuming their season.
Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113
Read full article: Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. ā LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) ā Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs helped their playoff chances. JJ Redick scored 31 points with a season-high eight 3-pointers for New Orleans, which got 25 from Williamson and 17 from Brandon Ingram. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry called it a Game 7-type game beforehand but stayed with the plan of playing Williamson in short bursts. Williamson scored the next eight points by himself, kick-starting what became a 28-12 run by the Pelicans to end the quarter. DeRozan scored inside on the next San Antonio possession, and a late 8-0 spurt by the Spurs sealed the deal.
Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113
Read full article: Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113A win by the Trail Blazers over Philadelphia would eliminate New Orleans from postseason consideration. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry called it a Game 7-type game beforehand but stayed with the plan of playing Williamson in short bursts. In the fourth, Gentry took Williamson out with 6:53 left, putting him back in for the last-ditch try about two minutes later. Williamson scored the next eight points by himself, kick-starting what became a 28-12 run by the Pelicans to end the quarter. DeRozan scored inside on the next San Antonio possession, and a late 8-0 spurt by the Spurs sealed the deal.
The NBA MVP finalists: Antetokounmpo, James and Harden
Read full article: The NBA MVP finalists: Antetokounmpo, James and HardenA trio of past winners of the award reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, four-time MVP LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and 2017-18 winner James Harden of the Houston Rockets were announced Saturday as the finalists for this seasons top NBA individual honor. Antetokounmpo is bidding to become the 12th back-to-back winner of the award, and Harden is vying for his second MVP in three seasons. The other finalists for NBA honors:Rookie of the Year Ja Morant, Memphis; Kendrick Nunn, Miami; Zion Williamson, New Orleans. Sixth Man Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers; Dennis Schroder, Oklahoma City; Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers. Defensive Player of the Year Antetokounmpo; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; Rudy Gobert, Utah.
Bogdanovic's career-high 35 lead Kings past Pelicans 140-125
Read full article: Bogdanovic's career-high 35 lead Kings past Pelicans 140-125The Kings shot 54%. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored 24 points for the Pelicans. JJ Redick scored 18 points and Jrue Holiday added 17 for the Pelicans, who shot 57%. The Kings pulled even with the Pelicans in the standings and now are 2 1/2 games behind eighth-place Memphis with four games remaining. Kings: Shot 78% in the first quarter.
Williamson loses shoe, but Pelicans get key 109-99 win
Read full article: Williamson loses shoe, but Pelicans get key 109-99 winWilliamson had 23 points, seven rebounds and tied a career high with five assists in his most extensive playing time since returning to the NBA bubble. Williamson drove the lane in the third quarter and landed awkwardly, losing his left shoe. However, the big man quickly put the shoe back on and remained in the game. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 22 points for the Grizzlies, who fell to 0-3 since the NBA restart. Pelicans: Play Sacramento on Thursday.
George, Clippers rain 3s on Pelicans in 126-103 blowout
Read full article: George, Clippers rain 3s on Pelicans in 126-103 blowoutKawhi Leonard and Beverly kept the barrage going for six straight 3s before Leonard had the Clippers first miss. With the Clippers well on their way to a blowout win, it was an opportunity for the Pelicans to get Williamson out of the game. We had a rough start, Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said. The Clippers have already clinched a playoff spot in their first season with Leonard and George playing together. Clippers: L.A. led 103-63 late in the third quarter when George and Leonard were taken out.
Gobert lifts Jazz past Pelicans 106-104 in NBA restart
Read full article: Gobert lifts Jazz past Pelicans 106-104 in NBA restartHe scored 13 points in just more than 15 minutes, highlighted by a couple alley-oop dunks, one on a nearly half-court lob from Lonzo Ball. But Williamson checked out for good with 7:19 left in the fourth quarter and watched the tense finish from the sideline. Thats all it is.Jordan Clarkson scored 23 points for Utah and helped lead a second-half comeback, while Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley each added 20. When Jordan has space on the floor to work, hes really difficult to guard," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. The Jazz went 8 of 34 from 3-point range but scored 54 points in the paint and went 24 of 28 on foul shots.
Pelicans place Zion Williamson in starting lineup vs. Utah
Read full article: Pelicans place Zion Williamson in starting lineup vs. UtahLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Zion Williamson was in the New Orleans Pelicans' starting lineup against Utah on Thursday night, just two days after practicing for the first time in two weeks. Williamson left the team July 16 to attend to a family medical matter. Right knee surgery forced the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Williamson to miss the first 44 games of his rookie season. His return bolsters the Pelicans' hopes for a playoff spot. New Orleans resumes the season 3 1/2 games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Zion Williamson practicing, could play in Pelicans' opener
Read full article: Zion Williamson practicing, could play in Pelicans' openerZion Williamson returned to New Orleans Pelicans practice for the first time in nearly two weeks on Tuesday night and coach Alvin Gentry said the NBAs top overall draft pick might play when the club resumes its season against Utah on Thursday night. If hes ready to play, hell play. So well see and evaluate tomorrow where he is the medical people will and so will Zion. That kept the Pelicans hopeful that hed be able to get ready to play quickly when he returned from a family matter that he has kept private. The Pelicans are 3 1/2 games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.