New Orleans Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry addresses media after a 123-116 loss to the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks spoiled New Orleans’ home opener after a change in approach by the Pelicans.
It was a tale of two quarters in the first half between the Pelicans and Mavericks. New Orleans did whatever they wanted on offense by hitting four 3-pointers and outscoring Dallas 28-10 in points in the paint.
Then, the second quarter came and the Mavs flipped the script.
The Mavericks scored 45 points in the second quarter and turned a 16-point deficit into an 8-point halftime lead. Kristaps Porzingis scored 11 of his 17 first half points in the second frame, in addition to protecting the rim.
The Pelicans settled in the second quarter by only scoring 12 points in the paint and 23 points in total. The ball movement was nonexistent. New Orleans only recorded two assists on eight made field goals after assisting on 14 of 18 made field goals in the first quarter.
Dallas entered the second half with a 72-64 lead.
New Orleans slowly moved further from the paint and Lonzo Ball was one example of the Pelicans’ perimeter-focused approach after the first quarter.
He led all players with 12 3-point attempts, only converting on three.
Luka Doncic messed around and got a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Porzingis didn’t make an impact in the second half until the fourth quarter as he finished with 24 points and five blocks on the night.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans in scoring for the second straight game after putting up 25 points.
Despite Ingram’s offensive production and boosts from Frank Jackson and Josh Hart in the second half, the Pelicans couldn’t complete the comeback win. Another fast start was wasted and the Pelicans dropped to 0-2 on the year.