Wednesday’s 18-point performance in Memphis was a nice step forward, the best night of his brief pro career. Now New Orleans first-round pick Buddy Hield is looking to build upon that, starting with Friday’s home game against the Phoenix Suns (7 p.m., Fox Sports New Orleans, WRNO 99.5 FM).
The sixth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft had shot just 10/34 from the field during the Pelicans’ first four games, but he was much better at 6/15 (4/9 on three-pointers) against the Grizzlies. Although New Orleans sustained a bitter 89-83 loss in overtime at FedEx Forum, it was Hield’s career high in scoring.