Detroit Pistons star Jaren Duren dominates as size deficiency and poor free throws seal the New Orleans Pelicans' fate in a decisive loss.
The New Orleans Pelicans' lack of size was on display on Thursday night as they fell 129-108 to the Detroit Pistons. The Pelicans fall to 25-49 on the season, which does still keep them above the Memphis Grizzlies in the standings.
This game was defined by Jalen Duren's ability to do pretty much whatever he wanted all over the court. Duren finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. There was not one person on this New Orleans roster who could slow him down.
It also just highlights the need for another true center on the roster next season. They even started DeAndre Jordan in this game with Trey Murphy out, as they don't normally have any real bigs out there in the starting group.
Right now, for next year, Derik Queen looks like he should move to more of a four-role and they'll likely keep him on the bench to start the year as he develops. Yves Missi is super athletic and has shown a ton of potential, but he lacks the strength to really contend with someone like Duren.
If the Pelicans hope to build a contending roster next season, this group needs a real center.
Other than the size disparity, it was the poor free-throw shooting that doomed the team. They were 11-of-24 from the charity stripe, which is by far the worst percentage of the season. Even Derik Queen, who had made 36 in a row, went 1-for-3 in this game.
The good news is that this loss doesn't really impact anything and the team has a chance to flush it quickly as they are back to action on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors.