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‘That guy ain’t no rookie’: Pelicans react to Herb Jones’ play-in performance

Cody Taylor
·3 min read
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‘That guy ain’t no rookie’: Pelicans react to Herb Jones’ play-in performance

With New Orleans’ season on the line, rookie Herb Jones produced one of his finest performances to help the Pelicans defeat the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in the play-in tournament.

Jones scored 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots in the 113-103 victory at Smoothie King Center. He went an efficient 5-of-7 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 37 minutes of work.

Perhaps his best contribution was once again his defensive effort.

Dejounte Murray, the Spurs’ leading scorer this season, recorded 16 points in the loss but Jones and the Pelicans held him to 5-of-19 shooting from the field. Jones held Murray to 3-of-9 shooting and forced two turnovers as his primary defender, according to NBA tracking data.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green saw Jones rise to the occasion.

Herb was locked in. I could tell from the time we had our first meeting prepping for this team. I looked into his eyes and he just was ready. He was watching and studying. He is in the gym, doing two-a-days. He is doing everything he can to be prepared. He knew that was going to be a challenging matchup (against Murray) and he met it head-first. I’m proud of that kid. He works his tail off.

Said Jones:

I didn’t do anything outside of my normal routine. I took the same approach that I took for any game. I wouldn’t say it was a higher level. I try to stay as locked in as I can each night.

The defensive effort versus the Spurs further demonstrated how dominant Jones has been on that end of the floor this season. It was also a prime example of how the 35th pick is in the discussion for an All-Defensive team placement.

Jones averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals in 78 games this season. His 130 total steals ranked third among all players in the NBA while his 243 total deflections were fourth. He was the only player to have at least 120 steals and 50 blocks.

“He is a hell of a player,” said rookie Jose Alvarado, who finished with 12 points and three assists. “That guy ain’t no rookie. He should be first team (All-Defense). He definitely has my vote. He ain’t no rookie. He is a hell of a player all around.”

With the win, the No. 9 seed Pelicans (36-46) will advance to play the No. 7 seed Clippers (42-40) Friday in Los Angeles. The winner will secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference and the right to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 10 p.m. EDT on TNT.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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