Pelicans Poor Second Half Leads To Loss In Orlando

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry benched all the starters in the third quarter after being fed up, but things didn't get better for New Orleans on Monday night in a 104-89 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Coming off a win on Saturday over the Houston Rockets, the Pelicans consistency issues were at play again when the team came out lackluster in Orlando.

The Magic jumped out to a 9-0 run to begin the game, led by 4 at the half, then went on an 8-2 run to start the second half as New Orleans starters appeared confused, sluggish and lackadaisical. At that point, Gentry pulled starters Anthony Davis, Omer Asik, Tyreke Evans, Alonzo Gee and Eric Gordon from the lineup, inserting his bench.

"They got into us (with physical defense)," explained Gentry of the third quarter fall. "That's our reputation until we do something about it."

In the end, the benching didn't change matters in the game as the Magic ran away from the Pelicans in the second half.

Orlando center Nikola Vucevic dominated, scoring 28 points on 14-21 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds as the Magic finished with 58 points in the paint. Former Louisiana Ragin' Cajun Elfrid Payton finished with 6 points and 3 boards for the Magic.

Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 20 points and 8 boards. Norris Cole scored 17 off the pine.

"We don't play hard all the time. That starts with our 1st unit," said Davis after the loss. "We've got to come out with more energy. It starts with me."

With the loss, the Pelicans fall to 10-21 on the season, 3-15 on the road.

New Orleans will attempt to ride the good wave of their inconsistency when they return home to host Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night. Tip-off from the Smoothie King Center is set for 7:00.