Brandon Boston Jr.: Dealing with a run of bad injuries, the New Orleans Pelicans fell to the Orlando Magic 115-89 Friday night as the Magic broke their five-game losing run. Brandon Boston Jr. proved his value in an otherwise depleted Pelicans roster, even with the defeat.
Brandon Boston Jr. Remarks Outstanding
Usually on a G League two-way deal, Brandon Boston Jr. was a star for New Orleans. Boston came just one point short of his career best with an amazing 26 points filling in for missing important players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones. Shooting 10-of- 17 from the field, he displayed his scoring power adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his stat line. Analyst Antonio Daniels of the Pelicans praised Boston’s performance, calling him “a baller” and stressing his offensive flexibility.
The Offensive Influence of Alvarado
Another vital substitute for the injury-ridden Pelicans, Jose Alvarado added five assists, five rebounds, and twenty-one points. Alvarado, known for his defensive ability, has had to play more offense and his aggressiveness on that end of the floor was noteworthy. He shot 4-of-11 from beyond the arc, bringing scoring firepower even as he kept up explosive defensive pressure.
Magic End Losing Streak
With 27 points, Franz Wagner led the Magic; Mo Wagner chipped in 17. Early on, the squad taken advantage of New Orleans’s injury problems and built a dominating 24-point lead in the first half. Outscoring the Pelicans 74-30 in the paint, the Magic dominated there and recovered from a nine-minute field-goal drought to take fourth quarter control.
Important events and lessons learned.
Two hours before tipoff, New Orleans said Zion Williamson—who had scored 29 points in a previous defeat to Cleveland—would be out with a strained left hamstring. Missing six of their top eight scorers, the Pelicans have lately dropped seven of their previous eight games. For Orlando, the triumph was their tenth straight home victory, spanning last season and including postseason action. On the road, however, they have suffered with a 2-14 away record throughout that period.
Looking Ahead
Hoping to become healthier and more competitive in a demanding Western Conference, the Pelicans will go back home to play the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The Magic wants to carry on their momentum, hence on Sunday night they will play the Washington Wizards.
In a difficult time for New Orleans, Brandon Boston Jr.’s performance was a rare shining point demonstrating he could stand up when needed. As the Pelicans negotiate their injured-plagued start to the season, his growth and ongoing contributions might be absolutely vital.
