Pelicans (2-0 in preseason), Pistons (0-2)
Yes, he can score. New Orleans second-year guard Jose Alvarado may have developed a well-deserved reputation for defense and stealing the ball, but on Friday he spent a lot of time putting it in the basket. Behind a combination of determined drives and accurate jump-shooting, the Georgia Tech product helped stake the Pelicans to a double-digit second-half lead and home victory. He finished with 28 points on 12/18 shooting. “Just being more confident in myself from last year,” Alvarado said of what’s behind what appears to be an improved offensive game. “More consistent. Like I always say, I’m not the most athletic (player). My floater’s got to be there. My jump shot has to be there. It was about locking in this offseason and being confident.”
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Alvarado was the best player on the floor for both teams, bar none. One of his close friends, Pelicans forward Naji Marshall, also boosted the attack by scoring 14 points in the first three quarters. Normally relied upon for energy and defense, Marshall has expanded his offense a bit in preseason by launching more jumpers. He sank a pair of three-pointers Friday. Marshall on Alvarado’s performance: “Unbelievable. He’s so electric. You never know what he’s going to do. Every game he does something that is special. It’s exciting to see.”
Jose Alvarado (28 points) Highlights vs. Detroit Pistons 10/7/22
BY THE NUMBERS
23: Alvarado career high in scoring in the regular season. He did that in a March game vs. San Antonio.
20, 19, 18: Minutes for Zion Williamson, Naji Marshall and Jonas Valanciunas, respectively, the three Pelicans who’ve started both preseason games. Rookie Dyson Daniels was the team leader in minutes at 31.
16: New Orleans turnovers, an improvement from 22 committed in Tuesday’s win at Chicago.
WHO STARTED
Devonte’ Graham, Naji Marshall, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas
WHO DIDN'T PLAY
CJ McCollum (ankle), Brandon Ingram (toe), Herb Jones (ribs), Kira Lewis Jr. (knee)
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pelicans will visit San Antonio on Sunday evening, practicing in Metairie on Saturday before traveling to Texas.