Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Pelicans Star Breaks Silence on Confrontation With Indiana Pacers

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Nov 2, 2024 7:40 AM ET

For the past few seasons, the New Orleans Pelicans have been known to be one of the scrappiest teams in the league. They might not be one of the top teams in the NBA, but they've been known to scrap, something that's been proven numerous times, including on Friday night.

After the Pelicans defeated the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, Jordan Hawkins and Bennedict Mathurin got into a confrontational moment. No punches were thrown of any kind, but numerous players stepped in to prevent things from getting worse.

Jordan Hawkins and Bennedict Mathurin getting into it after the game pic.twitter.com/R922YgSXCO
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 2, 2024

After the game, Hawkins was asked about his heated moment with Mathurin, and he gave a very simple answer.

"I don't fear nobody but God," Hawkins said. "If someone is talking crazy to me, I'm gonna talk back to him."

"I don't fear nobody but God. If someone is talking crazy to me, I'm gonna talk back"

-- Jordan Hawkins on his verbal confrontations the last two games pic.twitter.com/ogwT8zWK3K
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 2, 2024

Against the Indiana Pacers, Hawkins put up 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist on 41.2% shooting from the field. Through five games this season Hawkins is averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 44/38/91 shooting from the field. It's early, but one could very easily see Jordan Hawkins be a legitimate contender for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

After a much-needed win against the Pacers, the Pelicans have two very winnable games coming up against the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers.

The New Orleans Pelicans face off against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. EST.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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