by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor 

The New Orleans Pelicans demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork in their recent 118-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, despite arriving in Dallas on short rest. The standout performer of the night was rookie Jordan Hawkins, who delivered an exceptional performance by scoring a season-high 34 points in his 11th start.

Hawkins’ contribution was pivotal in leading seven Pelicans players to score in double figures. This impressive win came on the back of a challenging back-to-back schedule, following a loss at Denver. Hawkins, in particular, showcased his long-range shooting prowess by nailing six 3-pointers, just one shy of his season’s best.

Key contributions also came from Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas, who added 15 and 14 points, respectively, with Valanciunas also grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds and leading the team with seven assists. The Pelicans’ cohesive effort was evident in their turnaround in the third quarter where they outscored the Mavericks 39-27, thanks in part to an improved 3-point shooting performance.

This victory was even more commendable considering the absence of regular starters from both teams. The Mavericks missed the services of their superstar Luka Doncic due to an ankle sprain, impacting their performance significantly. The Pelicans, on their part, were without key players including Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, which underscored the depth and resilience of their squad. With another game scheduled against the Mavericks in Dallas, it remains to be seen if the Pelicans can maintain their momentum and continue to overcome the challenges posed by their packed and demanding schedule.