It took a little while, but I think the Pelicans are figuring out how to win without DeMarcus “Ewing Theory” Cousins. I wish I could say that the reason for that is because Nikola Mirotic has stepped and directly replaced, stat-for-stat, all of Cousins’ production. Wouldn’t that be the sweetest thing ever? Mirotic has definitely stepped in and plays a nice role, but he’s not scoring 40 and getting triple-doubles. Another thing he doesn’t do is pout after every non-call and turn the ball over by pretending to be a point guard. So it’s a tradeoff.
Most of the credit for the Pelicans’ win streak goes to Anthony Davis for being an absolutely unstoppable monster, but I’ll give Mirotic a bit of credit as well. He plays minutes for sure, and when he plays, he doesn’t hurt the team too much. Sometimes he even helps! That’s about all I can say for him; he’s not playing up to what he showed earlier this season in Chicago.
Tonight was a glimpse of the old Niko, the one who shot threes without any regard for who else might want to touch the ball. The Niko we loved and hated with the Bulls. I want to see more of this, please. More of this and more Cheick Diallo, who even needs Cousins?