ATLANTA – A few hours before tip-off Monday, Alvin Gentry promised that no matter how well – or how poorly – his team played in its preseason opener, he would not get overly pleased or displeased. The fifth-year New Orleans head coach and longtime NBA sideline boss mostly stuck to that vow following a 133-109 win over Atlanta, but it may not have always been easy. The Pelicans looked superb in their first opportunity to play together, despite a roster that has 14 new players among the 19 currently in uniform.
Pelicans look to repeat strong first showing in preseason game at Chicago
Preseason doesn’t count.