Gentry’s “new season,” where they are 1-0, started off well enough. Jahlil Okafor picked up 3 quick fouls to help the Pelicans surge to a 37-26 lead after the first quarter. It was 10-10 when Okafor charged Asik with 6:24 left in the quarter. That 27-16 “eighth” is a good quarter, numberwise, but the impressive scoring against a bad team that just got worse was paired with very bad defense… enough defense, but bad defense, which is a theme.
The Sixers shot 52.6% compared to the Pelicans, who shot 50.6%. The Pelicans had 3 fewer turnovers, made 10 more free throws, and killed on the boards and on the break.