The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Golden State Warriors by a final score of 94-86 to earn their first victory of the NBA2K24 summer league. They were led by trio of players who were anticipated to be difference-makers in the proceedings.
Dyson Daniels posted a near triple-double, finishing with a line of 17 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. While he struggled somewhat with his shot (6-18 field goal attempts, 2-10 3-point attempts), realize these are important reps for a 20-year-old who is far from a finished product.
Despite his eighth overall selection by the Pelicans in the 2022 NBA draft, Daniels’ offensive game was always expected to be a work in progress. Confidence issues on that side of the ball greatly impacted his rookie campaign, leading to a below average shooting line (41.8 FG%, 31.4 3PT%, 65.0 FT%).
While Daniels’ summer league stats (37.5 FG%, 14.3 3PT%, 69.2 FT%) resemble last regular season’s shooting numbers, there are notable improvements in his aggression level, shot form and ball-handling in Las Vegas. So the process appears good. Many more repetitions are likely needed though, before results begin to follow.
Dereon Seabron, who was coming off a woeful performance laced with seven turnovers in New Orleans’ opener, bounced back nicely against Golden State with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two turnovers.
In addition to a display of much-improved decision-making, Seabron also made eight of his 11 field goal attempts. He was able to get to the rim and finish unlike two nights ago.
Jordan Hawkins tallied 16 points and five rebounds. While the Warriors did a much better job of staying attached to him behind the 3-point line than the Timberwolves, he was able to impact the game inside the arc. In addition to converting six of nine 2-point field goals, Hawkins proved to be a willing rebounder, drew a key defensive charge and showed a big-shot mentality late.
Watch Hawkins call for the ball at the start of the video clip below by waving his arms dramatically. He proceeded to also get his body in the best position possible to shoot an elevated shot over the defender from makeable range.
The Warriors were led by Lester Quinones’ 26 points and Mikael Jantunen, who added 16 points off the bench. Brandin Podziemski, the 19th selection of the 2023 NBA draft, had 10 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.
The Pelicans closed remarkably well, but a 15-2 run in the third quarter put them in position for victory. They trailed 61-53 with 5:09 left in the frame. Less than four minutes later, they led the Warriors 68-63. Daniels, Hawkins and Seabon either scored or assisted on all 15 points.
After committing 29 turnovers against the Timberwolves on Friday, the Pelicans nearly halved their total of miscues versus the Warriors with 15 turnovers.
It is interesting to note that the Pelicans have held three practices and played two games thus far. Meanwhile, the Warriors summer league squad has enjoyed more time together on the court, having appeared in the California Classic before arriving in Las Vegas.
The Pelicans will next face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, with the game airing on ESPN 2 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
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Have to keep in mind it’s summer league and realistically only 3 of these players will be role players for Pelicans in Daniels, Hawkins and Liddell and Seabron will probably get another 2 way. I have like the aggression of the guard play so far, especially out of Dyson and the 15 rebounds shows that defensively he is only going to get better. We hope for the same offensively, although we really don’t have to rely on him to be a big time scorer if we stay healthy. Hawkins is good coming off the ball to get his shot, but his ball handling looked a little suspect last night. I know he will be used primarily as a 2 so we won’t hopefully have to worry about that problem. I think with EJ, the thing is just to get back in basketball shape. He looked a little winded at times. He has had some moments where he has looked good though, like the post up last night. The biggest disappointment so far to me has been Karlo Matkovich. But as was mentioned in the article, the Pels have had only 3 practices so far. Hopefully, they can run some plays for him in next 2 games.
GEAUX PELS!!!
Hawkins received A LOT more attention from the Warriors than Timberwolves, so those doubles when they came, caused some havoc and led to more turnovers. I think he’ll figure that out in due time. I really like that I think he’s got more than just a great fastball, for the sake of analogy. I think he’ll be able to break down defenses with the dribble or pass and prove to be an asset to offenses outside of just shooting.
Oh and as far as Matkovic, I agree. Erin Summers told David Grubb and I on a podcast (that will post soon!) that Matkovic arrived in New Orleans playing some great ball in Europe. He was also looking great in practices. Think better play on his part will come. As to what extent, it remains to be seen, but it’s likely that he’s at least a year away from being able to help the Pelicans.
I have never liked the summer league. There is virtually no such thing as a flagrant foul, and Liddell’s injury last year was due to a non-basketball play by the OKC (?) opponent. It is like getting excited over bumper cars.
There are a lot of things DD is very good at, and he brings a badly needed physical presence to the guard position. But if last night was any indication, his shot mechanics make me yearn for the Matrix. Very herky-jerky, and not at all a quick release. Lots of room for improvement.