Rookie Jordan Hawkins led the New Orleans Pelicans to a 118-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring a career-high 34 points during Saturday’s NBA action. The game on Saturday night was notable as most starters from both teams were not in uniform.
Herb Jones contributed 15 points, and Jonas Valanciunas added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Pelicans. Valanciunas also impressed with seven assists. This win was a rebound for New Orleans, following their loss to Denver the previous night and a late arrival in Dallas. Hawkins, the 14th overall pick from UConn in the last draft, showcased his talent and resilience.
“No matter what time we get in, so long as there’s a basketball on the court, we’re gonna hoop,” Hawkins said. “I had a good opportunity to play, so I had to take it.”
Pelicans coach Willie Green praised Hawkins for his exceptional performance and discipline, describing his performance as terrific and highlighting his two-way impact.
“He was terrific,” Green said of Hawkins. “He was locked in from the very start of the game. His game-plan discipline was off the charts. His ability to hit shots, but not only hit shots but continue to make the right play on both sides of the basketball.”
Hawkins was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting six 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Valanciunas played a significant role despite playing 26 minutes the night before.
Kyrie Irving led with 33 points for the Mavericks, followed by Tim Hardaway Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr., who scored 24 points each. Dallas has had a mixed week, with wins and losses against various teams, including a defeat to the under-strength Pelicans.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd highlighted a lack of physicality in his team’s play. The Mavericks missed star player Luka Doncic due to an ankle sprain, alongside Dante Exum and rookie Dereck Lively II.
“We just couldn’t compete,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “Our physicality wasn’t there.”
Why wasn’t the physicality there?: “You have to ask them. I’m just the coach.”
The Pelicans played without key players Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. This was the fourth time Williamson sat out in a back-to-back game this season. Trey Murphy III, a top reserve, was also absent, significantly impacting the Pelicans’ scoring potential.
Dallas saw the return of Maxi Kleber from a long injury layoff, contributing two points and two rebounds in 11 minutes.
The teams are set to face each other again in Dallas on Monday.
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