This was an impressive win by the Pelicans. Missing almost everybody good on their roster besides Jrue Holiday, they spoiled Paul George’s Clippers debut. Yeah, the Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard, but that was a self-inflicted wound. All the Pelicans’ injuries are real, no load management going on here.
Frank Jackson played a big part in the win, scoring more points (23) than he played minutes (22) and hitting a big-balls three to seal the game with 28 seconds left. Lou Williams might be one of the worst defenders in the league, and I say that as someone who doesn’t care about defense at all. You have to be really bad for me to notice, and Jackson standing WIDE OPEN with the ball at the three point line like Williams thought he was Zion Williamson tells the whole story.
I still probably would’ve held the ball, run more time off the clock, but Jackson was wet with his jumper all night, so it was fine. Only a shame that he didn’t get some more chances at the free-throw line while the Clippers played foulball so that he could get a new career-high. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll get a chance to torch Williams a few more times this season.