New Orleans Pelicans: 2017-18 Season Review
Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2017-18 season, guys! This was a year of significant change, exciting moments, and ultimately, a playoff appearance that gave fans a lot to cheer about. We're going to break down the key aspects of the season, from the roster and coaching staff to the defining games and overall performance. So, buckle up and get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the days of AD (Anthony Davis) and Jrue Holiday leading the charge!
Roster and Key Players
The 2017-18 Pelicans roster was built around the superstar duo of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. Davis was, as always, a dominant force, showcasing his incredible versatility on both ends of the court. He was a walking highlight reel, capable of scoring at will, blocking shots with authority, and grabbing rebounds like it was nobody's business. Holiday, on the other hand, evolved into a true two-way star, excelling as a playmaker, scorer, and defender. His ability to guard multiple positions and create opportunities for his teammates made him an invaluable asset to the team. Alongside these two All-Stars, the Pelicans featured a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players. Rajon Rondo, brought in to orchestrate the offense, provided a steady hand and veteran leadership. His passing wizardry and basketball IQ were instrumental in unlocking the team's offensive potential. E'Twaun Moore emerged as a reliable scoring option on the wing, while players like Darius Miller, Ian Clark, and Cheick Diallo provided valuable contributions off the bench. However, the season took a dramatic turn with the addition of Nikola Mirotic at the trade deadline. Mirotic's arrival injected a much-needed dose of shooting and scoring punch into the frontcourt, complementing Davis's inside dominance and providing the Pelicans with a more balanced offensive attack. The roster construction aimed to maximize the strengths of Davis and Holiday while surrounding them with players who could space the floor, defend, and contribute in various ways.
Coaching Staff
Alvin Gentry was at the helm as the head coach for the Pelicans during the 2017-18 season. Gentry's coaching philosophy emphasized a fast-paced, offensive-minded approach, aiming to leverage the athleticism and scoring prowess of Davis and Holiday. He encouraged his players to push the tempo, create open looks, and play with freedom on offense. Defensively, Gentry focused on improving the team's communication, rotations, and overall intensity. He implemented schemes designed to protect the paint, limit opponents' scoring opportunities, and force turnovers. Gentry's ability to adapt his game plans based on the opponent and make in-game adjustments was crucial to the Pelicans' success. He fostered a positive and collaborative environment within the team, empowering his players to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the overall game plan. The coaching staff also included assistant coaches who played vital roles in player development, scouting, and game preparation. These assistants worked closely with individual players to refine their skills, improve their understanding of the game, and help them reach their full potential. The coaching staff's collective expertise and dedication were instrumental in guiding the Pelicans through the ups and downs of the season.
Regular Season Performance
The Pelicans finished the 2017-18 regular season with an impressive record of 48-34, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. This marked a significant improvement from the previous season and signaled the team's emergence as a legitimate contender in the West. Throughout the regular season, the Pelicans showcased their offensive firepower, averaging a high number of points per game and consistently ranking among the league's top scoring teams. Davis and Holiday led the charge, consistently delivering outstanding performances and carrying the offensive load. The team's ability to score in a variety of ways, from inside dominance to perimeter shooting, made them a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Defensively, the Pelicans demonstrated improved cohesiveness and intensity, limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. The addition of Rajon Rondo brought a veteran presence and leadership to the team, helping to organize the defense and ensure that everyone was on the same page. However, the Pelicans also faced challenges throughout the regular season, including injuries to key players and inconsistent play at times. They experienced periods of both winning and losing streaks, testing their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. Despite these challenges, the Pelicans remained focused on their goals and continued to work hard to improve their overall performance. Their regular-season performance was a testament to their talent, determination, and the leadership of their coaching staff.
Key Games and Moments
Several key games and moments defined the Pelicans' 2017-18 season. One standout game was their victory over the Boston Celtics on January 23, 2018. In this game, Anthony Davis put on a dominant performance, scoring 45 points and grabbing 17 rebounds to lead the Pelicans to a hard-fought win. The victory showcased Davis's incredible talent and cemented his status as one of the league's top players. Another memorable moment was the arrival of Nikola Mirotic at the trade deadline. Mirotic's addition provided the Pelicans with a much-needed boost of shooting and scoring punch, helping to solidify their playoff chances. His impact was immediately felt, as he quickly integrated into the team's offense and provided valuable contributions on both ends of the court. The Pelicans also had several impressive wins against top teams in the league, including victories over the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. These wins demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in the NBA and gave them confidence heading into the playoffs. On the other hand, the Pelicans also faced some tough losses during the season, including a disappointing defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 25, 2018. In this game, the Pelicans struggled to contain the Lakers' offense and ultimately fell short despite a strong effort from Davis and Holiday. These losses served as learning experiences for the team, highlighting areas where they needed to improve and reminding them of the importance of staying focused and disciplined.
Playoffs Run
The Pelicans entered the 2018 NBA Playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, facing off against the third-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Despite being the lower seed, the Pelicans surprised many by sweeping the Trail Blazers in four games. This dominant performance showcased their talent, cohesiveness, and determination, sending a clear message that they were a force to be reckoned with. Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday led the charge, consistently outplaying their counterparts and dominating on both ends of the court. Rajon Rondo's playmaking and veteran leadership were also crucial to the Pelicans' success, as he orchestrated the offense and kept everyone involved. In the second round, the Pelicans faced a much tougher challenge in the form of the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions. The Warriors proved to be a formidable opponent, ultimately defeating the Pelicans in five games. While the Pelicans fought hard and showed flashes of brilliance, they were unable to match the Warriors' overall talent and experience. Despite the series loss, the Pelicans gained valuable experience and exposure in the playoffs, setting the stage for future success. Their playoff run was a testament to their growth as a team and their ability to compete at the highest level. It also provided fans with many memorable moments and solidified the Pelicans' status as a rising force in the Western Conference.
Overall Season Assessment
Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2017-18 season was a resounding success. The team exceeded expectations, securing a playoff berth and showcasing their potential as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday emerged as one of the league's most dynamic duos, leading the team on both ends of the court and consistently delivering outstanding performances. The addition of Rajon Rondo brought veteran leadership and playmaking to the team, while the arrival of Nikola Mirotic provided a much-needed boost of shooting and scoring punch. The Pelicans' fast-paced, offensive-minded style of play was exciting to watch, and their improved defense made them a tough matchup for opposing teams. While they ultimately fell short of their ultimate goal of winning a championship, the Pelicans gained valuable experience and momentum throughout the season. Their playoff run was a testament to their growth as a team and their ability to compete at the highest level. Looking ahead, the Pelicans had a bright future, with a young and talented core that was poised to continue improving. The 2017-18 season will be remembered as a turning point for the franchise, marking the beginning of a new era of success and excitement in New Orleans. It was truly a season to remember, filled with unforgettable moments and a sense of optimism for what was to come. The Pelicans proved that they were a team on the rise, and their fans had every reason to be excited about the future.
