5 things we learned from the Warriors decimating the Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 06: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA on May 06, 2018. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 19: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer during Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 19, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Jrue Holiday is for real

He proved it in the first round. He stood by the statement in the second round. The Pelicans shortcomings had little to do with Holiday and Anthony Davis. They were always a flawed team and were exposed by a superior team. It happens. But what Holiday did this postseason should have Pelicans fans excited for the future.

Holiday averaged 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the five-game series. He even had a triple-double in Game 5, but those are just numbers that don’t matter when you lose. On top of his offensive contributions, he did his best to contain at least one of the Splash Brothers. He often found himself switched onto Kevin Durant on the defensive end. That didn’t go so well for him. But getting switched on Durant doesn’t go so well for 99 percent of players in the league.

What Holiday did in the postseason was an awfully good recruiting pitch for free agent DeMarcus Cousins. The Pelicans were just hitting their stride when Cousins was lost for the season. After watching Davis and Holiday in the postseason, he has to feel good about New Orleans’ chances to compete against the best with him in the lineup.

If Holiday is the third-best player on your team, you can compete for a title. Well, not in the Warriors World. But in the normal world, Holiday being the third-best player means you’re a title contender. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they still live in the Warriors World.

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