The New Orleans Pelicans are not “better” without DeMarcus Cousins

The New Orleans Pelicans are not “better” without DeMarcus Cousins by Joshua Lea

The New Orleans Pelicans are two games from advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. The series now shifts to NOLA with the momentum on the Pelicans side.

Last night the New Orleans Pelicans won their second game in Portland. Beating the Blazers 111-102, New Orleans is turning heads in the NBA. Anthony Davis and company look like a team poised and ready to do some damage.

The fact that the Pelicans won the first two games on the road is impressive. What’s more impressive is the plus/minus from the Pelicans starting unit of game two.

Anthony Davis was a plus 10 on the night. Scoring 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting, Davis also grabbed 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks on the night. Jrue Holiday was the story of the night.

The former UCLA product was the driving force behind the Pelicans victory in game 2. Holiday scored a career playoff-high 33 points and added nine assists for a plus/minus of plus 12.

Rajon Rondo did more scoring in this game. That was a key part of the Blazers plan of attack. Rondo was one assist away from a triple-double with 16 points, nine assists, and 10 rebounds.

All five Pelicans starters had a positive plus/minus and all five Blazers starters had a negative plus/minus.

Jrue Holiday is making a new name for himself in this playoff series.

The Pelicans are rolling in this series. Now, the chatter about the spectacular play of Jrue Holiday is growing. People have always known how great Anthony Davis is. Holiday is making a name for himself in this NBA postseason.

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Holiday’s performance last night was inspiring. As I watched the game, I knew that I would wake up to a few articles talking about Holiday’s NBA journey. Even Kevin McHale said on TNT’s broadcast that he voted Holiday for All-NBA first team.

Jrue Holiday may or may not get those honors this season. However, he has the respect of those that have played the game before him. Chauncey Billups, who now works on ESPN, called Holiday the most underrated point guard in the NBA.

The Pels are lethal right now. However, I wouldn’t expect the Blazers to just roll over in this series. They are going to have to keep the foot on the gas for game three. The Smoothie King Center will be jamming on Thursday.

I wouldn’t break out the brooms just yet. Although, if the Pelicans win game three. I would get them ready.