Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to beating the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 35
By Ethan Temkin
3.) Guard the 3-pointer
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently ranked 4th in total 3-point attempts at 38.8, and 5th in 3P% at 36.9 percent, which makes sense given their head coach is Alvin Gentry. They’re a fast-paced team that likes to get out in transition and launch from deep, but this style of attack has its downsides as the team is a paltry 23rd in defensive rating.
The Pelicans have a number of efficient shooters on the roster such as E’Twaun Moore and Jrue Holiday, but their best shooter is unquestionably J.J. Redick, who is shooting 45.2% from three on an absurd 6.9 attempts per game.
In addition, former Laker Brandon Ingram has been submitting his MIP campaign by averaging 41% from three on 5.7 attempts, showcasing a huge improvement from his last year’s average of 33% on 1.8 attempts.
The Lakers may have trouble shooting from beyond the 3-point line, but they sure don’t have any problems guarding it, as the team ranks 9th in the league in opponent 3-point percentage per CleaningtheGlass. So all they have to do is keep up the defensive intensity that has gotten them this far, and they should be well on their way to winning their fourth straight game.