Jose Alvarado gave the Pelicans the momentum

The Smoothie King Center was not packed with spectators like when the Spurs came ten days ago. But the Pelican lair still vibrated watching Jose Alvarado put Colin Sexton in the wind and before the conversion, behind the arc, which will be the basket win for NOLA against the Hornets.

A victory that has blown away the entire franchise in search of success since March 31st. Deprived of Zion Williamson, with LaMelo Ball absent opposite, Willie Green’s men played the assignment card to the max: eight players with 11 or more points.

If the performance of rookie Derrick Quinn (12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) was widely commented on, attention was logically focused on Jose Alvarado. ” Jose is Jose », start as a commentator son of trainer Willie Greenbefore applauding the collective effort of his troop.

Before the match, his replacement leader set himself a goal: ” Let me go back to who I am ,” reports the 27-year-old, who says he had a long conversation with development coach Phil Beckner, who specifically follows Damian Lillard, for “ think positive ».

The system was not for him

A conversation with favorable effects for someone whose knee injury has slowed the start of the season. And who averaged just 4 points (29% shooting) to start the debate, a far cry from his usual performance. ” You have to stay mentally strong at all times, that’s what I’m learning in my 5th season », delivers an undrafted player.

Reinvigorated, the Brooklyn native contributed 18 points (7/11 shooting, including 4/7 from distance), 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in 31 minutes in this matchup. With this decisive shot, 15 seconds from the end. ” I was trying to pass the ball to Trey (Murphy), but the defender stayed behind him and left me open. I saw the opportunity and shot with confidence “, he describes.

The trust was rewarded and praised by his coach. ” He’s a guy who always plays with something to prove. That’s what he’s been doing since he’s been here. He knows that he is not being offered anything. He has to earn every opportunity and that’s what he does. Every time he steps on the floor, he tries to give you everything he has. And tonight, I think, he played 20 minutes straight. Yes, there is a big hit, but he gives us so much on both ends of the court “, congratulates Willie Green.

The coach still believes that Jose Alvarado showed ” good energy. He was the emotional leader of our group, with obviously the players on the sidelines. He plays from the heart, that’s why he is appreciated. »

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.