featured-image

Pelicans focus on chemistry, defense in preseason finale

BOSSIER CITY – On Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic will have the distinction of opening up the entire 2014-15 NBA regular season schedule, when they tip off in the Smoothie King Center just after 7 p.m. Central. With only four practice days prior to Opening Night, the Pelicans get a final preseason opportunity to compete against an NBA foe Thursday, when they face at the Dallas Mavericks at CenturyLink Arena.

Pelicans players are focusing on fine-tuning at both ends of the floor, but particularly defensively, as they wrap up preseason tonight. This will be just the second game that New Orleans (4-2 in preseason) has had its entire complement of key players available, after Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon recently returned from short-term injuries. Evans has dished out seven assists in both games since his return Oct. 16, spearheading a pair of victories.

“We’re just trying to gel,” Pelicans All-Star power forward Anthony Davis said. “We know that Reke’s been hurt and hadn’t had a chance to play with that first unit. We’re trying to get him back and try to figure out what we can do with that first unit, see what’s clicking. Right now we’re clicking on all cylinders. There are still some things we need to work on defensively and offensively, but right now I think we’re on the right page.”

Defense has been an emphasis and strength for New Orleans throughout preseason; the Pelicans have not allowed 100 points in any game. However, several opponents have rested or been missing multiple key players due to injury. New Orleans limited Oklahoma City and Washington to 86 and 84 points, respectively, in the two games Evans has played.

“We all know we can score,” Evans said. “We’re just trying to work on the defensive part. We know if we get stops, we are definitely going to put points on the board.”