Willy Hernangómez is thirsty for minutes in the NBABut chances are slim in a New Orleans Pelicans that have one of the most loaded and complete inside games in the league. The loss of Steven Adams gave the Madrilenian title last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the pivot more than fulfilled his mission.
“He has been tremendous, he has done a great job staying tuned and prepared”, praised his coach Stan Van Gundy after the Louisiana team’s 120-103 victory. Willy, with 12 points and 10 rebounds, was key in the unexpected triumph of New Orleans.
“When the opportunity comes, I try to be prepared. I have the same mentality, the same preparation. I
Please play at 120%, play hard “explained the Spanish interior after being singled out as player of the match.
His intensity in the first half was key to take off on the scoreboard as soon as the match started. For Willy, his irregular role does not detract from his merits or his smile: “I want to have fun, that’s how basketball is. Playing or not playing, my teammates and coaches have always shown me love and trust, and that gives me wings. They are my family and I just try to do my job ”.
Zion Williamson led with 23 points and 5 assists (8-11 TC) the comfortable triumph over a Clippers surrendered from the first quarter, where they conceded a resounding 33-20 of partial. The bad night by paul george, who complained of an ankle injury, was devastating for the Angelenos.
The LA star finished with 9 points and a series of 3 of 11 in field shots that made even greater the absence of other heavyweights such as Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Patrick Beverley, regular holders of the Ty Lue squad.
Only Terance mann, with 17 points, and Marcus Morris Sr., with 15, they fulfilled from the starting quintet with their usual numbers. DeMarcus Cousins, with 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, gave one of the few good news of the night for LA
On the part of the local team, Lonzo Ball added 18 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists to the choral performance of the Pelicans (27-34), who are away from the last square of the play-in but mathematically they can still fight for it. The Golden State Warriors (31-30), who cut the cut in 10th place, are four games away. There are 11 games left this season.
Eric Bledsoe, with 18 points, and Brandon ingramAt 17, they completed the brilliant performance of the New Orleans starting quintet, underpinned by the magnificent performance of Willy replacing the usual Adams.
The Madrilenian enjoyed 31 minutes and a series of 5 of 7 in shots from the field during the victory, to which he also contributed 3 steals and a block.