Share the Load! Pelicans’ Key Role Players Combine for Points, Rookie Snatches Rebounds to Support Zion and Ingram

On November 2, the NBA regular season saw the Pelicans defeat the Pacers at home, ending their previous three-game losing streak. Before the game, the Pelicans received more bad news as both McCollum and Herbert Jones were injured and will be out for 2-4 weeks. However, in this game, Hawkins, who entered the starting lineup, performed well, and rookie Boston also had a solid performance off the bench, providing significant help to the team.

With Murray already injured, three of the five starters that the Pelicans had built are now on the mend. In the past two games, the Pelicans’ dual stars, Zion and Ingram, received very little support from their teammates, with one game even seeing no teammate score in double digits. However, in this game, Hawkins, who entered the starting lineup, scored 23 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, while Alvarado contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. Rookie Boston was also on fire, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The three combined for 49 points, and together with Zion and Ingram’s combined 60 points, the Pelicans finally ended their three-game losing streak.

Additionally, the Pelicans started rookie Murphy in place of veteran Thaddeus Young. Murphy contributed 4 points and 10 rebounds diligently, hitting a crucial shot in the final moments and not disappointing his coach. For the Pelicans, they need role players to step up and share the load.