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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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 7: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a dunk against the Golden State Warriors on April 7, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Anthony Davis is really good

This isn’t breaking news. It’s barely regular news. It’s just a fact of basketball. Anthony Davis is a special talent and it’s nice to see him show it on the big stage.

For years, we were disappointed by Davis. Whether it was an injury or the Pelicans failing to surround him with the necessary pieces, something wasn’t clicking. The injury to DeMarcus Cousins forced Davis to further elevate his game. He ran into the most talented team of all-time, but man, it was fun to watch Davis in this series.

He went up against Draymond Green and averaged 27.8 points on 47 percent shooting and 14.8 rebounds. Defensively, he collected 2.2 blocks and steals per game. He did everything he could to carry his team to victory.

Posting those numbers and still losing in five games says two things. First, the Warriors are amazing. Second, the team around him just isn’t there yet. Jrue Holiday stepped up and healthy Cousins changes things, but New Orleans remains a flawed team. Nikola Mirotic was locked up by Andre Iguodala in the last two games and, outside of the Ian Clark revenge game, their bench provided little support.

The good news for the Pelicans is they still have Davis. If he’s your franchise player, your franchise is in great shape. But for the love of basketball, please retain Cousins or put the proper pieces around this man. He deserves it. We deserve it.

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