With 9 players in uniform, and 4 who were not with the team to begin the season, the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans fought hard for 48 minutes in Boston, but ultimately fell to the Celtics on Tuesday night 104-97.

Down by as many as 16, the Pelicans never gave up, tying the game with 3 minutes to play.

"There's no quit in these guys," said New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry. "As long as there's time on the clock, you'll see them compete."

What killed the Pels was turnovers. 8 turnovers in the first 7 minutes of play. 22 for the game, and 26 Boston points off Pelican turnovers.

"It was a big number (22 turnovers)," said Gentry. "We started out throwing the ball away early....We just didn't execute and do what we were supposed to do."

Trouble hanging onto the ball isn't a surprise considering New Orleans trotted out its 40th different starting lineup this season, struggling to find an early rhythm.

On a positive note, guard Tim Frazier (pictured) continues to play well since being signed as an injury replacement out of the D-League. Registering 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals, Frazier continues to put together a reel for every team in the NBA to consider watching when looking for a backup guard.

Frazier wasn't the only D-League call up who played well Tuesday. James Ennis scored 13 points on 5 of 6 shooting, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

The Pelicans return home for their final homestand of the season. First up, a Friday night matchup with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Tip-off is set for 7:00.

 

 

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