A new starting five produced a new result for the New Orleans Pelicans. A much-needed and greatly-welcomed one as they finally grabbed a win, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 112-106
With an altered opening line-up that featured both Dante Cunningham and Terrence Jones for the first time – along with mainstays Anthony Davis, Tim Frazier and E’Twaun Moore – New Orleans broke through for its first win of 2016-17.
Davis (32 points, eight rebounds, four blocks) turned in his usual big individual performance, but he received plenty of help as six teammates tallied at least eight points.
Moore has been one of the few Pelicans off to an above-average start shooting-wise this season. On Thursday, he had a quiet first half, but erupted in the third quarter for one of the best periods of his NBA career. The starting shooting guard racked up 14 points during that stanza alone, part of his 20-point game. His NBA career high for a game is 24. Thursday was the fourth time as a pro that Moore has notched 20-plus points.
The game turned in Nola’s favour when a replay review overturned possession of a loose ball, giving New Orleans possession with six seconds left and a four-point lead. Fans at the Bradley Center began heading for the exits, with their team’s late comeback attempt finally extinguished. The Pelicans were up 75-60 at one stage of the third quarter, but the Bucks chipped away and created some anxious moments for the visitors during crunch time.
Greek-Nigerian Giannis Antetokounmpo had a slower night than usual, although he ended the game with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jabari Parker was the star player for the Bucks as he poured in 33 points, ending the contest with the high-score and nine rebounds. He was 13-26 from the field and 3-6 from the perimeter. Rookie Malcolm Brogdon was the only other Bucks player to score in double-digits as he finished with 10 points.
Having now finally won a game, New Orleans will try to make it consecutive wins Saturday when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.
By Jim Eichenhofer
First appeared on NBA.com Global
