April 10, 2023 • 26 mins
On the latest Pelicans Podcast presented by SeatGeek, Joe Cardosi talks about the road ahead for the Pelicans who are locked into the 9th seed for the NBA Play-In Tournament plus shares important radio highlights from their regular season finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Our crew also speaks to WVUE sports reporter Madeline Adams (10:05) who helps break down the takeaways from Sunday's game in Minnesota and why the Oklahoma City Thunder can’t be overlooked heading into Wednesday's game at the Smoothie King Center.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome into the New Orleans Pelicans podcast presented by Seat Geek,
a podcast dedicated to everything you need to know about
the squad lights out into Warlands. The New Orleans Pelicans
podcast starts right now. Welcome to the Pelicans podcast presented
(00:28):
by seat Geek. I am Joe Cardosi today, not joined
by the hobbled Jim Ikenhoffer. No worries, nothing extreme getting
done to the man. He's not getting some body modification
surgery where he's coming back with a tail or anything.
Not yet, at least today, Jim Ikenhoffer get a little
(00:50):
vision correction surgery. So we're gonna let him rest his eyes,
rest his mind, and not bother the man today. I
will be joined today by Madeline Adams of UVUE Fox
eight Sports reporter over there. Does a great job with
the final play as well. I appeared on their last
night talking Pels, which was a great time. As always,
(01:11):
she knows hoops and I want to talk to her
about what lies ahead for these Pelicans, So lots and
lots to talk about the Pelicans falling to the Timberwolves
one thirteen, one oh eight. Last night Pelicans Now with
the nine seed t Wolves will have the eight seed.
(01:31):
Not you never want to minimize a loss, but it's
almost not the story of the game. The Timberwolves are
experiencing some drama, a lot of fallout, and a lot
of consequences from that game. Of course, Rudy go Bear
getting into it on the bench with Kyle Anderson, throwing
a punch there, getting ejected from that game. Weren't sure
(01:53):
what was going to happen going forward, whether there would
be any ramifications from the league or from the team
after that. Rudy Gobert of course was said to have
apologized behind the scenes of course sent out that tweet
where he apologized as well. However, just breaking not that
long ago, looks like Rudy Gobert will be suspended for
(02:15):
that play in game, which is crucial for them because
they don't really have a backup center, do the Timberwolves,
and they're gonna have to move around some players that
are basically gonna have to be playing out a position.
Of course, naz Reid is out, and look, the Timberwolves
traded four first round picks for Gobert, and that's sort
(02:36):
of what you got when you need him the most,
and that is wolf tough for them. Of course, that's
not the end of it. Jaden McDaniels fractured his hand
punching the wall and frustration as he was walking out
of the tunnel. There looks like he will be out indefinitely,
no matter how far they may or may not go
into the play in playoffs, crucial crucial losses for them,
(02:59):
which again I will get into with Fox States Madeline
Adams Pels unfortunately having their worst three point shooting game
of the season. They only shot fourteen percent from three.
That's three of twenty one, so a brutal night from
three four the Pelicans, and it's just hard to win
(03:20):
basketball games when the shots aren't falling. Now, Brandon Ingram
had a fantastic night forty two points, wellve rebounds, seven assists,
two steals, a block. He was just absolutely doing it
all that night, playing like a superstar when you absolutely
need your superstars to be playing like it. And as
(03:42):
we roll into this play in tournament, you could not
ask for more from Brandon Ingram carrying the team on
his back. However, Herb Jones has of course been looking
great and Trey Murphy finishing the season at over sixty
percent on two's over forty percent on threes and over
ninety percent at the line. So at twenty two years old,
(04:04):
that makes him the youngest player in NBA history to
shoot forty plus percent on threes and ninety plus percent
on free throws for a season. We are watching the
emergence and the blossoming of Trey Murphy in front of
our eyes, along with Bi playing some of the best
basketball of his career. And we've done so many podcasts,
(04:26):
so many gymnios of him doing the math, breaking down
the probabilities, the possibilities where we may or may not land. Well,
that's set now. The Pelicans are the nine seed, which
means they will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday,
eight thirty pm. That's right here at home. We expect
(04:46):
to see you being loud in the Smoothie King Center.
We want you rock us, We want you fully lubricated,
ready to party your pants off in the Smoothie King Center.
Because this is is it, this is win or go home.
The Pelicans absolutely have to take this one. And we
know what a player as GA is. Once again kind
(05:09):
of talk about it with Madeleine Adams for a shadowing.
The winner of that game will play the loser of
the Lakers Tea Wolves at their house, and then the
winner of that one plays the one seated Denver Nuggets.
That's the path, that's the way forward. So not an
easy one for the Pelicans, but a way forward regardless.
(05:33):
The Pelicans have a winning season once again, Willie Green
emphasizing that in the locker room after the game. And
despite the results, there were so many highlights from that
Pel's Tea Wolves game. It was a fun one. And
I don't normally do this on the podcast, but without
Jim's glowing face sitting right in front of me, I
need the radiant light of Todd Graffanini's voice to bathe in.
(05:57):
So let's let the man himself, mister Todd Graffanini, tell
the story of the game like no one else can.
Richardson got a pick from Yonis, bounce feedback to Yonis,
got a vine floater. Good beautiful two man game there
with Josh Richardson and Jonas Valentias. Valentinas has seven points
and seven rebounds in this game. For a freak though good.
It is a twenty point first quarter for Brandon Ingram
(06:21):
That is a career high for points in a quarter
money guy in a money game. Ingram, who has been
it offensively, starts, drives, got into the lane and floated
it in from the left side with a right hand.
Ingram's got twenty five of the forty one points, no
weak side rebound. Yonis Valentinas is eleven outlet to Ingram.
(06:45):
Ingram head of steam, take it to the RACKBI flush
it down with two hands. Time out. Chris Finch and
the Tea Wolves brandon. Ingram's got twenty seven points. He's
doing it all. You're knowing us down deep spins, clear space,
drop from the hand by Anderson eight two runs from
(07:08):
Minnesota freeball Edward music seventy one sixty nine all backdoor
cut Trey Murphy, beautiful pass by Herb Jones. Trey got free.
He throws it down with two hands. Chris Finch, disgustedly
(07:29):
takes a time out. With that lack of defense, Ingram
backs it way out guarda by Anderson shot clock at
seven b. I get it to Richard's an extra pass.
CJ splits the fenders and and Edwards blocks it at
the room dunkle tump. That's gonna do it if you
don't win this game. Edward spins into the lane, throws
it right back to McCullum and then he gets it stolen.
(07:52):
Edwards lays it up on one, so that's probably gonna
do it. By the hey tip your cap. Anthony Edwards
is the best player on the floor. Then it just
did it on both ends right there, some high times,
some low times, the thrill ride that is sports. Well,
(08:17):
you hated to see the Pelicans dropped that one. Obviously,
you heard the moods that Graff was going through, because
that man goes through him. But it was a crazy game,
a consequential one four those Timberwolves who did pull it
out despite losing much of their team. Now, as Graff said,
(08:37):
sometimes the best player on the floor that night just
does what he wants to do, and that night it
was Anthony Edwards, or that day i should say, since
it was a day game. Anthony Edwards had twenty six points,
thirteen rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. It's when he
did it that just made him an absolute star. Makes
him an absolute star and so much fun to watch
(08:59):
if you're not a Pelicans fan and he's not playing
against you that particular night, but a great game from
him and a tip of the cap, I guess to
those Timberwolves who will go on to face the Los
Angeles Lakers. Shorthanded Gus Cat and Gell joined the Pels
twelve at the Mid City Yacht Club for a watch
(09:19):
party over there, which was a blast. A big shout
out to everyone who came by. Jake Madison stopped by
Rell from the Pels twelve. Lots of folks we don't
get to see as much as we would like to see.
Got to hang out with the goose who was loose,
so excited to talk to Fox States. Madeleine Adams joined
her on the final play after that heartbreaker of a loss.
(09:42):
We sort of discussed, you know, the pats ahead for
the Pelicans and all sorts of other upcoming scenarios as
the Pelicans have now officially boom stamped their ticket in
to the play in tournament and now face off against
the scrappy Oklahoma City Thunder and then we'll see. Can't
look ahead right now, so let's talk to Fox Eights.
(10:04):
Madeline Adams joining me on the Pelicans podcast sadly without
poor Jimothy is w vues. Madeline Adams, thank you so much,
Madeline for joining me on the podcast today. Pelicans are
(10:25):
in the postseason, or at least the postseason stretch. Now,
that Timberwolves game was a tough one. What did you
see out of both teams last night? Yeah, well, you know,
just kind of watching the course of the game, you
wouldn't be able to tell which team was on the
second night of a back to back, right. Um, you know,
the Pelicans had a great first half, and then seemingly
(10:47):
in that second quarter, the Timberwolves started having started to
kind of half some issues, like not only Rudy Gobert
getting into a kind of a couple or mister cos Yeah,
he he does throw a punch getting into that situation
with Kyle Anderson for Rudy Gobert, I mean, one of
the best defenders in the league. And then Jade McDaniels
(11:11):
punching a wall on his way to the locker room.
So then Rudy Gobert is out for the rest of
the game. Jaane McDaniels is out for the rest of
the game. Uh, you know, you're kind of at half time,
you're kind of liking the Pelicans chance this year. And
then in the third and fourth quarters, then I guess
what happened at halftime sparked the Timberwolves. They came out
(11:33):
of half time a completely different team. And you know,
I don't want to take away from what the Timberwolves did,
but a lot of that too, was just the Pelicans
not playing their best basketball. Yes, you know, not boxing
out after you know, on second free throws and looks too.
I mean, Anthony Edwards had such an incredible game down
(11:53):
the stretch too. Um, But you know, I think that
was definitely a winnable game for the Pelicans. And you know,
it kind of sucks because Brandon Ingram had its best
game offensively of the year forty two points. So it
kind of sucks that that kind of overshadowed or is
overshadowed by the loss, right, But look, I mean, I
(12:14):
think heading into the play in the Pelicans were in
this position last year. They were the nine seed, they
won two games to make it to the playoffs. They
were coming off two losses the at the end of
last year, they lost the Golden State right before getting
into the plan. So I know, you really want to
have like a ton of momentum going into the play
(12:36):
and you want to you know, be coming off a
couple wins. But you know, I think what's important right
now is Brandon Ingram. You know, the star of this
team is playing his best basketball heading into the play
in So if you're a Pelicans fan, you definitely like
to do that, absolutely, And that's what I wanted to
talk to you about as well. You know, Bi, it
is rough to talk about forty two points and twelve
(12:57):
rebounds in a loss. It almost feels im but it
can't go unlooked at. You know, when your star is
playing like a star and putting the team on your back,
that's what you need in these moments, especially when you
know right now Zion's not coming through the door. Brandon
Ingram is going to be the guy along with Trey
Murphy who is seemingly ascending right before our eyes and blossoming.
(13:19):
I mean, he was headed to the G League, as
you know, in March of last year, and then now
he is a fundamental cornerstone of this team. What have
you been seeing from them and going forward into this
stretch with their play? Yeah, Well look this time last
year too, I mean he was playing some of his
best basketball. Yeah, and he was a huge reason why
the Pelicans were able to make that push for the
(13:39):
play and able to make that push into the playoffs.
And then I remember too, like in that series against
the Sun's like at one point, I'm like, brandon Ingram's
the best player in the postseason right now, Like that
was just the level of play he was putting on
display every night. And so I think if brandon Ingram's
at that level right now, you'll the Pell's chances headed
(14:01):
into this game. And then yet Trey Murphy the third,
how much It's crazy how much he grew even from
you know, his rookie year last year to even the
start of this year. We saw him, We saw how
much he grew, um even at the beginning of this season.
But to see too, how much has grown even since
the start of this year. It's been incredible, um just
(14:22):
on both ends of the floor too, offensively and defensively.
Um Man, it's incredible. Herb Jones too. I know, I
think he was limited to four points last night, but
she's been huge, also huge defensively, but offensively as well
for the Pelicans recently. And to think of how much
you know that that class, that draft class U has
(14:43):
grown so much, you know, with Herb and Trey, it's
incredible to have young players like that contributing as much
as they are. M And I'm so excited to be
able to watch those guys, Trey and Herb as they
you know, compete in the play in tournament for the
second year in a row, and then to see Brandon
Ingrams as well. I mean, when Brandon Ingram's at his best,
(15:05):
there's a lot that this team can do. So I'm
excited to watch that. Yeah, And you know, the team
has to as you talked about, these are fundamental foundational
players that are in their second year. It's great to
see them organically growing together. And part of growing together
and part of becoming eventually a championship team is learning
how to win and learning how to fight some of
(15:25):
these dog fight wins out. You sort of knew going
into that Timberwolves game when you looked at the slate
of games and you looked at the circumstances of a
few of them and who was going to be sitting
who That Timberwolves game was always going to be a
dog fight, And unfortunately, they have to learn how to
lose some of those and will take the lessons from
those going forward, and you hope that they can apply
that in these play in games. Now, as you were
(15:47):
talking about our young foundational pieces for the Timberwolves, their
young piece Jaden McDaniels, who is their leading defender, he
broke his hand. He's going to be out for the
remainder of however long they might go into the play
in or playoffs and broke today. Rudy Gobert, he's gonna
be suspended. Officially come down that he will be out
for that game. You didn't know what was going to
(16:09):
happen maybe internally or externally after that, but now he
is for sure out versus the Lakers. And you look
at t Wolves versus the Lakers, it's gonna be, uh,
you know, quite a fight for them because now Jade
McDaniels was gonna be the guy guarding Lebron James. His
length obviously was going to be a huge part of
shutting down Lebron. And now he's gone, and you look
(16:30):
at Rudy Gobert gone. They've they've already got no nas read,
they've basically got no backup centers, and they're gonna have
to shift around positions. It's gonna be a tough spot
for the Timberwolves. Yeah, absolutely, look and yesterday the Rudy Gobert,
Kyle and or something. It was not the only kind
of scuffle throughout the NBA yesterday because entity games. I mean,
(16:52):
there was so much on the line for so many teams, um,
you know, throughout the NBA yesterday and you know, you
could cut it's already. He felt like the postseason yesterday
was how much thee how intense these games were. So yeah,
I mean, look, losing Rudy Gobert in this matchup against
the Lakers. He's not even traveling with the team obviously,
there's you know, there's levels to that, and not only
(17:14):
just having him on the court, but what's the chemistry
like with the team now and inside the locker room
as they deal with that. And yeah, not having Jake
McDaniel's a huge piece as they try to kind of
defend this Laker squad that has kind of figured it
out since the trade. They are getting their stride right now.
The Lakers are and had some really impressive wins. That
(17:36):
is going to be a tough battle for the Minnesota
timberwol especially in LA. And yeah, I mean it's it
was a wild day in the Western Conference yesterday. We
knew it would be. It's been a wild season in
the Western Conference, but yeah, really, you know, looking forward
to that game as well. Um, you know, and the Lakers,
like I said, they just kind of pieced it together
(17:58):
really well down the stretch of the season and really
figured it out. And look, I mean, Lebron James is
still Lebron James. He's one of the best players when
it comes to these type of games, and so really
excited to watch that matchup too. Yeah. Absolutely. I mean
the Western Conference, as you said, is is sort of
a weird place right now. You know, the Mavericks are
under investigation for sitting players, Lucas having a say like, hey,
(18:20):
I'm staying here. No one knows what's going on in Portland.
And then when you look at the teams that are
still in it, you know, you got the Oklahoma City
who we have to face first before we could even
look ahead. And they are a scrappy, young squad that
reminds me a lot of us in that they are
they are young, they are ascending. Nobody expects them to
win a championship this season. Ditto us. I would love
(18:41):
to that would be land yap, but I don't think
a reasonable person expects the Pelicans or the Thunder to
win win at all this season. But it seems like
they're a little ahead of schedule, maybe more so than us.
As you look at them and they're a rise right now,
it seems a little early. I didn't expect to see
them in the play in spot right now, and that's
that's a tough defensive assignment for the Pelicans. And like
(19:03):
I said before, we can go into the playoff picture
and look ahead, we have to win or go home
against this Oklahoma City Thunder squad. What do you see
in them and and why could they be sneaky? Yeah? Well,
look like you mentioned it, I don't think anybody at
the beginning of season really saw the Funds being in
this position um that they're in now. But I think
(19:25):
they looked at a lot of young pieces and just
kind of them needing years to grow and build together.
Like you said, they're they're ahead of schedule, um, and
they are a very dangerous team. They've gotten some really
good wins under their belt recently. Sga Is is kind
of as he goes, the team goes, um and I
think he's averaging thirty one point um, he's only he's
(19:46):
only scored less than twenty points like a handful of times.
It's absurd, and I's just one of the best scorers
in the NBA. UM. And yet too you look at
UM their very last game, I think they rested in
the regular season finale, but all five of their starters
in their last regular season game scored in double figures.
(20:07):
So there's other guys who can contribute as well. It's
not just the SBA show. Um, there's other guys were
dangerous too, and really talented players. So yeah, I think
this is this is a very interesting matchup because, like
you said, these teams are very similar. I feel like
just in UM kind of the position they're at right now,
being kind of young teams with you know, obviously, the
(20:28):
Pelicans have veteran leadership and a guy like CJ McCullum
who has made it to the playoffs every single year
of his career, last nine seasons and he definitely wants
to get back there. So yeah, I think that both
of these teams have really young, talented players. They've got
a good core group and their franchises that are growing
and they're building. Like he said, I don't think anybody
(20:51):
expects either of these teams to go on a run
and win an NBA title this season, but I think
a lot of like both of these teams can be
really dangerous. It's because of the talent that they have,
you know Sda with the Thunder, Brandon Ingram the way
he's playing with the Pelicans right now, And like I said,
there's other pieces on that roster that can come in
and contribute too. So I am so excited to watch
(21:13):
this matchup. And the good thing is the Pelicans home.
I know they wanted that eighth seed, yeah, because if
you went, but look here's the thing, Like they get
to play at home first in this winner go home game.
I know they have to go on the road next,
but I think in this game against the really dangerous,
a really gritty team like the Thunder, it's like home
(21:35):
court advantage is going to be huge in this one too, absolutely,
And the Smoothieking Center has become a legitimate home court advantage.
So glad to see that happening in front of our
eyes as well. And yeah, it's gonna be an interesting one.
I personally, I'm petty and I can't think of a
better scenario than winning one at home and then breaking
the Lakers hearts over there and then rolling into the playoffs.
(21:58):
But that's me. I'm petty, Madeline, so I'm sorry for that,
but thank you for joining me today shorthanded with no
Jim Eichenhofer. I just have his little ball cap on
the chair in memory of him. He's still alive, but
I just do that anyway. I'm miss him, But thank
you so much for joining me shorthanded today. Really appreciate it.
Thanks for having me last night on the Final Play
(22:20):
as well. Yeah, look, Joe, always appreciate your time and
insight on our Final Play shows. It's on Sunday nights
and always so much fun to join you and talk
about pell So thanks for having me on the show today.
Huge thanks to Madeline Adams talking to this lonely old
dog today. It was a weird one last night, but
(22:44):
I feel like there is wind and the Pelican sales still.
As you look at the Pelican Stars and how well
they're playing when it matters most, there are reasons to
be encouraged right now. I hate to see all the
doom and gloom on Twitter. It doesn't surprise me since
it's Twitter, but it is tough to see. We need
you up for this home game as we need this
(23:06):
home court advantage because it's win or go home against
OKAC and then, oh, as I said, against Madeline Adams,
what sweeter scenario than to win at home in front
of our home crowd that seems so many ups and
downs and deserve some good times and then go on
over to LA because, let's be honest, I expect the
(23:29):
Lakers to beat these shorthanded Timberwolves. It'd be shocking if
they didn't. We'll see. However, to go in there and
face the Lakers at home and beat them and just
rolling in the playoffs, oh, it would be sweet. I
wish Jim was here so he could call me down,
but he's not, so I'm not gonna be calm. Look,
this is the home stretch. We are excited to be
(23:50):
in it. There are play in game tickets being given
away right now. Go on over to Pelicans dot com
and register. There are Wednesday's playing game tickets available, just
go on fill in your info. And also also four
Pelicans bird hats, which may be almost as valuable as
(24:12):
four Lower Bowl tickets, So get yourself a hat, get
yourself some tickets, get in that number. We want to
see you in the crowd. You need to be there.
Savor these moments. Here we go, Pelicans fans. Wednesday, I
will be talking to mister Nick Gallos, sideline reporter for
(24:33):
the Oklahoma City Thunder, as we will have a comprehensive
breakdown of the opponent from a guy who covers them
every day. No better info to get than that from
quote unquote the enemy. Glad to have Nick Gallo on Wednesday.
Excited to be able to talk Thunder Pelicans, how that
matchup's gonna go. And hey, side note, we appreciate you
(24:55):
listening to the radio broadcast. Keep telling your friends and pals,
hey man, radio broadcast is cool, especially when they have
these national games and you're not able to watch Balleis
and here Antonio Daniels or Joel Myers. Sync up the
radio and the TV and listen to the call of
mister Todd Graffanini because he's gonna be on one boy
(25:16):
as we go into this stretch. You're not gonna want
to miss mister energy himself. Todd Graffanini. I am Joe Cardosi.
Thank you so much for listening to the Pelicans podcast.
Share it with your friends and pals. Pretty please. Hey,
give me a follow over on Twitter. If you want
to stay connected, you can follow me at j car
(25:37):
five oh four we and by that I mean I
will join you once again on Wednesday. As Jim's seat
sits unattended for now, foreshadowing, tune in on Wednesday. Lots
of exciting stuff to talk about. This is the home stretch. People,
get up, get loud, get into it, get involved until Wednesday.
(26:06):
Oh thanks for listening to the New Orleans Pelicans podcast
presented by seat Geek. Join us three times per week
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next time right here on the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast
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(26:33):
dot on her baby, dot on herb, Herb, Herb, herb
Welcome into the New Orleans Pelicans podcast presented by Seat Geek,
a podcast dedicated to everything you need to know about
the squad lights out into Warlands. The New Orleans Pelicans
podcast starts right now. Welcome to the Pelicans podcast presented
(00:28):
by seat Geek. I am Joe Cardosi today, not joined
by the hobbled Jim Ikenhoffer. No worries, nothing extreme getting
done to the man. He's not getting some body modification
surgery where he's coming back with a tail or anything.
Not yet, at least today, Jim Ikenhoffer get a little
(00:50):
vision correction surgery. So we're gonna let him rest his eyes,
rest his mind, and not bother the man today. I
will be joined today by Madeline Adams of UVUE Fox
eight Sports reporter over there. Does a great job with
the final play as well. I appeared on their last
night talking Pels, which was a great time. As always,
(01:11):
she knows hoops and I want to talk to her
about what lies ahead for these Pelicans, So lots and
lots to talk about the Pelicans falling to the Timberwolves
one thirteen, one oh eight. Last night Pelicans Now with
the nine seed t Wolves will have the eight seed.
(01:31):
Not you never want to minimize a loss, but it's
almost not the story of the game. The Timberwolves are
experiencing some drama, a lot of fallout, and a lot
of consequences from that game. Of course, Rudy go Bear
getting into it on the bench with Kyle Anderson, throwing
a punch there, getting ejected from that game. Weren't sure
(01:53):
what was going to happen going forward, whether there would
be any ramifications from the league or from the team
after that. Rudy Gobert of course was said to have
apologized behind the scenes of course sent out that tweet
where he apologized as well. However, just breaking not that
long ago, looks like Rudy Gobert will be suspended for
(02:15):
that play in game, which is crucial for them because
they don't really have a backup center, do the Timberwolves,
and they're gonna have to move around some players that
are basically gonna have to be playing out a position.
Of course, naz Reid is out, and look, the Timberwolves
traded four first round picks for Gobert, and that's sort
(02:36):
of what you got when you need him the most,
and that is wolf tough for them. Of course, that's
not the end of it. Jaden McDaniels fractured his hand
punching the wall and frustration as he was walking out
of the tunnel. There looks like he will be out indefinitely,
no matter how far they may or may not go
into the play in playoffs, crucial crucial losses for them,
(02:59):
which again I will get into with Fox States Madeline
Adams Pels unfortunately having their worst three point shooting game
of the season. They only shot fourteen percent from three.
That's three of twenty one, so a brutal night from
three four the Pelicans, and it's just hard to win
(03:20):
basketball games when the shots aren't falling. Now, Brandon Ingram
had a fantastic night forty two points, wellve rebounds, seven assists,
two steals, a block. He was just absolutely doing it
all that night, playing like a superstar when you absolutely
need your superstars to be playing like it. And as
(03:42):
we roll into this play in tournament, you could not
ask for more from Brandon Ingram carrying the team on
his back. However, Herb Jones has of course been looking
great and Trey Murphy finishing the season at over sixty
percent on two's over forty percent on threes and over
ninety percent at the line. So at twenty two years old,
(04:04):
that makes him the youngest player in NBA history to
shoot forty plus percent on threes and ninety plus percent
on free throws for a season. We are watching the
emergence and the blossoming of Trey Murphy in front of
our eyes, along with Bi playing some of the best
basketball of his career. And we've done so many podcasts,
(04:26):
so many gymnios of him doing the math, breaking down
the probabilities, the possibilities where we may or may not land. Well,
that's set now. The Pelicans are the nine seed, which
means they will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday,
eight thirty pm. That's right here at home. We expect
(04:46):
to see you being loud in the Smoothie King Center.
We want you rock us, We want you fully lubricated,
ready to party your pants off in the Smoothie King Center.
Because this is is it, this is win or go home.
The Pelicans absolutely have to take this one. And we
know what a player as GA is. Once again kind
(05:09):
of talk about it with Madeleine Adams for a shadowing.
The winner of that game will play the loser of
the Lakers Tea Wolves at their house, and then the
winner of that one plays the one seated Denver Nuggets.
That's the path, that's the way forward. So not an
easy one for the Pelicans, but a way forward regardless.
(05:33):
The Pelicans have a winning season once again, Willie Green
emphasizing that in the locker room after the game. And
despite the results, there were so many highlights from that
Pel's Tea Wolves game. It was a fun one. And
I don't normally do this on the podcast, but without
Jim's glowing face sitting right in front of me, I
need the radiant light of Todd Graffanini's voice to bathe in.
(05:57):
So let's let the man himself, mister Todd Graffanini, tell
the story of the game like no one else can.
Richardson got a pick from Yonis, bounce feedback to Yonis,
got a vine floater. Good beautiful two man game there
with Josh Richardson and Jonas Valentias. Valentinas has seven points
and seven rebounds in this game. For a freak though good.
It is a twenty point first quarter for Brandon Ingram
(06:21):
That is a career high for points in a quarter
money guy in a money game. Ingram, who has been
it offensively, starts, drives, got into the lane and floated
it in from the left side with a right hand.
Ingram's got twenty five of the forty one points, no
weak side rebound. Yonis Valentinas is eleven outlet to Ingram.
(06:45):
Ingram head of steam, take it to the RACKBI flush
it down with two hands. Time out. Chris Finch and
the Tea Wolves brandon. Ingram's got twenty seven points. He's
doing it all. You're knowing us down deep spins, clear space,
drop from the hand by Anderson eight two runs from
(07:08):
Minnesota freeball Edward music seventy one sixty nine all backdoor
cut Trey Murphy, beautiful pass by Herb Jones. Trey got free.
He throws it down with two hands. Chris Finch, disgustedly
(07:29):
takes a time out. With that lack of defense, Ingram
backs it way out guarda by Anderson shot clock at
seven b. I get it to Richard's an extra pass.
CJ splits the fenders and and Edwards blocks it at
the room dunkle tump. That's gonna do it if you
don't win this game. Edward spins into the lane, throws
it right back to McCullum and then he gets it stolen.
(07:52):
Edwards lays it up on one, so that's probably gonna
do it. By the hey tip your cap. Anthony Edwards
is the best player on the floor. Then it just
did it on both ends right there, some high times,
some low times, the thrill ride that is sports. Well,
(08:17):
you hated to see the Pelicans dropped that one. Obviously,
you heard the moods that Graff was going through, because
that man goes through him. But it was a crazy game,
a consequential one four those Timberwolves who did pull it
out despite losing much of their team. Now, as Graff said,
(08:37):
sometimes the best player on the floor that night just
does what he wants to do, and that night it
was Anthony Edwards, or that day i should say, since
it was a day game. Anthony Edwards had twenty six points,
thirteen rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. It's when he
did it that just made him an absolute star. Makes
him an absolute star and so much fun to watch
(08:59):
if you're not a Pelicans fan and he's not playing
against you that particular night, but a great game from
him and a tip of the cap, I guess to
those Timberwolves who will go on to face the Los
Angeles Lakers. Shorthanded Gus Cat and Gell joined the Pels
twelve at the Mid City Yacht Club for a watch
(09:19):
party over there, which was a blast. A big shout
out to everyone who came by. Jake Madison stopped by
Rell from the Pels twelve. Lots of folks we don't
get to see as much as we would like to see.
Got to hang out with the goose who was loose,
so excited to talk to Fox States. Madeleine Adams joined
her on the final play after that heartbreaker of a loss.
(09:42):
We sort of discussed, you know, the pats ahead for
the Pelicans and all sorts of other upcoming scenarios as
the Pelicans have now officially boom stamped their ticket in
to the play in tournament and now face off against
the scrappy Oklahoma City Thunder and then we'll see. Can't
look ahead right now, so let's talk to Fox Eights.
(10:04):
Madeline Adams joining me on the Pelicans podcast sadly without
poor Jimothy is w vues. Madeline Adams, thank you so much,
Madeline for joining me on the podcast today. Pelicans are
(10:25):
in the postseason, or at least the postseason stretch. Now,
that Timberwolves game was a tough one. What did you
see out of both teams last night? Yeah, well, you know,
just kind of watching the course of the game, you
wouldn't be able to tell which team was on the
second night of a back to back, right. Um, you know,
the Pelicans had a great first half, and then seemingly
(10:47):
in that second quarter, the Timberwolves started having started to
kind of half some issues, like not only Rudy Gobert
getting into a kind of a couple or mister cos Yeah,
he he does throw a punch getting into that situation
with Kyle Anderson for Rudy Gobert, I mean, one of
the best defenders in the league. And then Jade McDaniels
(11:11):
punching a wall on his way to the locker room.
So then Rudy Gobert is out for the rest of
the game. Jaane McDaniels is out for the rest of
the game. Uh, you know, you're kind of at half time,
you're kind of liking the Pelicans chance this year. And
then in the third and fourth quarters, then I guess
what happened at halftime sparked the Timberwolves. They came out
(11:33):
of half time a completely different team. And you know,
I don't want to take away from what the Timberwolves did,
but a lot of that too, was just the Pelicans
not playing their best basketball. Yes, you know, not boxing
out after you know, on second free throws and looks too.
I mean, Anthony Edwards had such an incredible game down
(11:53):
the stretch too. Um, But you know, I think that
was definitely a winnable game for the Pelicans. And you know,
it kind of sucks because Brandon Ingram had its best
game offensively of the year forty two points. So it
kind of sucks that that kind of overshadowed or is
overshadowed by the loss, right, But look, I mean, I
(12:14):
think heading into the play in the Pelicans were in
this position last year. They were the nine seed, they
won two games to make it to the playoffs. They
were coming off two losses the at the end of
last year, they lost the Golden State right before getting
into the plan. So I know, you really want to
have like a ton of momentum going into the play
(12:36):
and you want to you know, be coming off a
couple wins. But you know, I think what's important right
now is Brandon Ingram. You know, the star of this
team is playing his best basketball heading into the play
in So if you're a Pelicans fan, you definitely like
to do that, absolutely, And that's what I wanted to
talk to you about as well. You know, Bi, it
is rough to talk about forty two points and twelve
(12:57):
rebounds in a loss. It almost feels im but it
can't go unlooked at. You know, when your star is
playing like a star and putting the team on your back,
that's what you need in these moments, especially when you
know right now Zion's not coming through the door. Brandon
Ingram is going to be the guy along with Trey
Murphy who is seemingly ascending right before our eyes and blossoming.
(13:19):
I mean, he was headed to the G League, as
you know, in March of last year, and then now
he is a fundamental cornerstone of this team. What have
you been seeing from them and going forward into this
stretch with their play? Yeah, Well look this time last
year too, I mean he was playing some of his
best basketball. Yeah, and he was a huge reason why
the Pelicans were able to make that push for the
(13:39):
play and able to make that push into the playoffs.
And then I remember too, like in that series against
the Sun's like at one point, I'm like, brandon Ingram's
the best player in the postseason right now, Like that
was just the level of play he was putting on
display every night. And so I think if brandon Ingram's
at that level right now, you'll the Pell's chances headed
(14:01):
into this game. And then yet Trey Murphy the third,
how much It's crazy how much he grew even from
you know, his rookie year last year to even the
start of this year. We saw him, We saw how
much he grew, um even at the beginning of this season.
But to see too, how much has grown even since
the start of this year. It's been incredible, um just
(14:22):
on both ends of the floor too, offensively and defensively.
Um Man, it's incredible. Herb Jones too. I know, I
think he was limited to four points last night, but
she's been huge, also huge defensively, but offensively as well
for the Pelicans recently. And to think of how much
you know that that class, that draft class U has
(14:43):
grown so much, you know, with Herb and Trey, it's
incredible to have young players like that contributing as much
as they are. M And I'm so excited to be
able to watch those guys, Trey and Herb as they
you know, compete in the play in tournament for the
second year in a row, and then to see Brandon
Ingrams as well. I mean, when Brandon Ingram's at his best,
(15:05):
there's a lot that this team can do. So I'm
excited to watch that. Yeah, And you know, the team
has to as you talked about, these are fundamental foundational
players that are in their second year. It's great to
see them organically growing together. And part of growing together
and part of becoming eventually a championship team is learning
how to win and learning how to fight some of
(15:25):
these dog fight wins out. You sort of knew going
into that Timberwolves game when you looked at the slate
of games and you looked at the circumstances of a
few of them and who was going to be sitting
who That Timberwolves game was always going to be a
dog fight, And unfortunately, they have to learn how to
lose some of those and will take the lessons from
those going forward, and you hope that they can apply
that in these play in games. Now, as you were
(15:47):
talking about our young foundational pieces for the Timberwolves, their
young piece Jaden McDaniels, who is their leading defender, he
broke his hand. He's going to be out for the
remainder of however long they might go into the play
in or playoffs and broke today. Rudy Gobert, he's gonna
be suspended. Officially come down that he will be out
for that game. You didn't know what was going to
(16:09):
happen maybe internally or externally after that, but now he
is for sure out versus the Lakers. And you look
at t Wolves versus the Lakers, it's gonna be, uh,
you know, quite a fight for them because now Jade
McDaniels was gonna be the guy guarding Lebron James. His
length obviously was going to be a huge part of
shutting down Lebron. And now he's gone, and you look
(16:30):
at Rudy Gobert gone. They've they've already got no nas read,
they've basically got no backup centers, and they're gonna have
to shift around positions. It's gonna be a tough spot
for the Timberwolves. Yeah, absolutely, look and yesterday the Rudy Gobert,
Kyle and or something. It was not the only kind
of scuffle throughout the NBA yesterday because entity games. I mean,
(16:52):
there was so much on the line for so many teams, um,
you know, throughout the NBA yesterday and you know, you
could cut it's already. He felt like the postseason yesterday
was how much thee how intense these games were. So yeah,
I mean, look, losing Rudy Gobert in this matchup against
the Lakers. He's not even traveling with the team obviously,
there's you know, there's levels to that, and not only
(17:14):
just having him on the court, but what's the chemistry
like with the team now and inside the locker room
as they deal with that. And yeah, not having Jake
McDaniel's a huge piece as they try to kind of
defend this Laker squad that has kind of figured it
out since the trade. They are getting their stride right now.
The Lakers are and had some really impressive wins. That
(17:36):
is going to be a tough battle for the Minnesota
timberwol especially in LA. And yeah, I mean it's it
was a wild day in the Western Conference yesterday. We
knew it would be. It's been a wild season in
the Western Conference, but yeah, really, you know, looking forward
to that game as well. Um, you know, and the Lakers,
like I said, they just kind of pieced it together
(17:58):
really well down the stretch of the season and really
figured it out. And look, I mean, Lebron James is
still Lebron James. He's one of the best players when
it comes to these type of games, and so really
excited to watch that matchup too. Yeah. Absolutely. I mean
the Western Conference, as you said, is is sort of
a weird place right now. You know, the Mavericks are
under investigation for sitting players, Lucas having a say like, hey,
(18:20):
I'm staying here. No one knows what's going on in Portland.
And then when you look at the teams that are
still in it, you know, you got the Oklahoma City
who we have to face first before we could even
look ahead. And they are a scrappy, young squad that
reminds me a lot of us in that they are
they are young, they are ascending. Nobody expects them to
win a championship this season. Ditto us. I would love
(18:41):
to that would be land yap, but I don't think
a reasonable person expects the Pelicans or the Thunder to
win win at all this season. But it seems like
they're a little ahead of schedule, maybe more so than us.
As you look at them and they're a rise right now,
it seems a little early. I didn't expect to see
them in the play in spot right now, and that's
that's a tough defensive assignment for the Pelicans. And like
(19:03):
I said before, we can go into the playoff picture
and look ahead, we have to win or go home
against this Oklahoma City Thunder squad. What do you see
in them and and why could they be sneaky? Yeah? Well,
look like you mentioned it, I don't think anybody at
the beginning of season really saw the Funds being in
this position um that they're in now. But I think
(19:25):
they looked at a lot of young pieces and just
kind of them needing years to grow and build together.
Like you said, they're they're ahead of schedule, um, and
they are a very dangerous team. They've gotten some really
good wins under their belt recently. Sga Is is kind
of as he goes, the team goes, um and I
think he's averaging thirty one point um, he's only he's
(19:46):
only scored less than twenty points like a handful of times.
It's absurd, and I's just one of the best scorers
in the NBA. UM. And yet too you look at
UM their very last game, I think they rested in
the regular season finale, but all five of their starters
in their last regular season game scored in double figures.
(20:07):
So there's other guys who can contribute as well. It's
not just the SBA show. Um, there's other guys were
dangerous too, and really talented players. So yeah, I think
this is this is a very interesting matchup because, like
you said, these teams are very similar. I feel like
just in UM kind of the position they're at right now,
being kind of young teams with you know, obviously, the
(20:28):
Pelicans have veteran leadership and a guy like CJ McCullum
who has made it to the playoffs every single year
of his career, last nine seasons and he definitely wants
to get back there. So yeah, I think that both
of these teams have really young, talented players. They've got
a good core group and their franchises that are growing
and they're building. Like he said, I don't think anybody
(20:51):
expects either of these teams to go on a run
and win an NBA title this season, but I think
a lot of like both of these teams can be
really dangerous. It's because of the talent that they have,
you know Sda with the Thunder, Brandon Ingram the way
he's playing with the Pelicans right now, And like I said,
there's other pieces on that roster that can come in
and contribute too. So I am so excited to watch
(21:13):
this matchup. And the good thing is the Pelicans home.
I know they wanted that eighth seed, yeah, because if
you went, but look here's the thing, Like they get
to play at home first in this winner go home game.
I know they have to go on the road next,
but I think in this game against the really dangerous,
a really gritty team like the Thunder, it's like home
(21:35):
court advantage is going to be huge in this one too, absolutely,
And the Smoothieking Center has become a legitimate home court advantage.
So glad to see that happening in front of our
eyes as well. And yeah, it's gonna be an interesting one.
I personally, I'm petty and I can't think of a
better scenario than winning one at home and then breaking
the Lakers hearts over there and then rolling into the playoffs.
(21:58):
But that's me. I'm petty, Madeline, so I'm sorry for that,
but thank you for joining me today shorthanded with no
Jim Eichenhofer. I just have his little ball cap on
the chair in memory of him. He's still alive, but
I just do that anyway. I'm miss him, But thank
you so much for joining me shorthanded today. Really appreciate it.
Thanks for having me last night on the Final Play
(22:20):
as well. Yeah, look, Joe, always appreciate your time and
insight on our Final Play shows. It's on Sunday nights
and always so much fun to join you and talk
about pell So thanks for having me on the show today.
Huge thanks to Madeline Adams talking to this lonely old
dog today. It was a weird one last night, but
(22:44):
I feel like there is wind and the Pelican sales still.
As you look at the Pelican Stars and how well
they're playing when it matters most, there are reasons to
be encouraged right now. I hate to see all the
doom and gloom on Twitter. It doesn't surprise me since
it's Twitter, but it is tough to see. We need
you up for this home game as we need this
(23:06):
home court advantage because it's win or go home against
OKAC and then, oh, as I said, against Madeline Adams,
what sweeter scenario than to win at home in front
of our home crowd that seems so many ups and
downs and deserve some good times and then go on
over to LA because, let's be honest, I expect the
(23:29):
Lakers to beat these shorthanded Timberwolves. It'd be shocking if
they didn't. We'll see. However, to go in there and
face the Lakers at home and beat them and just
rolling in the playoffs, oh, it would be sweet. I
wish Jim was here so he could call me down,
but he's not, so I'm not gonna be calm. Look,
this is the home stretch. We are excited to be
(23:50):
in it. There are play in game tickets being given
away right now. Go on over to Pelicans dot com
and register. There are Wednesday's playing game tickets available, just
go on fill in your info. And also also four
Pelicans bird hats, which may be almost as valuable as
(24:12):
four Lower Bowl tickets, So get yourself a hat, get
yourself some tickets, get in that number. We want to
see you in the crowd. You need to be there.
Savor these moments. Here we go, Pelicans fans. Wednesday, I
will be talking to mister Nick Gallos, sideline reporter for
(24:33):
the Oklahoma City Thunder, as we will have a comprehensive
breakdown of the opponent from a guy who covers them
every day. No better info to get than that from
quote unquote the enemy. Glad to have Nick Gallo on Wednesday.
Excited to be able to talk Thunder Pelicans, how that
matchup's gonna go. And hey, side note, we appreciate you
(24:55):
listening to the radio broadcast. Keep telling your friends and pals,
hey man, radio broadcast is cool, especially when they have
these national games and you're not able to watch Balleis
and here Antonio Daniels or Joel Myers. Sync up the
radio and the TV and listen to the call of
mister Todd Graffanini because he's gonna be on one boy
(25:16):
as we go into this stretch. You're not gonna want
to miss mister energy himself. Todd Graffanini. I am Joe Cardosi.
Thank you so much for listening to the Pelicans podcast.
Share it with your friends and pals. Pretty please. Hey,
give me a follow over on Twitter. If you want
to stay connected, you can follow me at j car
(25:37):
five oh four we and by that I mean I
will join you once again on Wednesday. As Jim's seat
sits unattended for now, foreshadowing, tune in on Wednesday. Lots
of exciting stuff to talk about. This is the home stretch. People,
get up, get loud, get into it, get involved until Wednesday.
(26:06):
Oh thanks for listening to the New Orleans Pelicans podcast
presented by seat Geek. Join us three times per week
on pelicans dot com, the Pelicans mobile app, or you
can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. We'll see you
next time right here on the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast
presented by SeatGeek. Baseline Jumping Blood by Johns. He's got it,
(26:33):
dot on her baby, dot on herb, Herb, Herb, herb
Host
Jim Eichenhofer
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