In a surprising twist, veteran center DeAndre Jordan took the court for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, marking only his third appearance this season. At 37, Jordan proved he's still got plenty left in the tank.
Teaming up with fellow big man Andre Drummond, the duo dominated the boards, pulling down a combined 27 rebounds. The Pelicans’ faithful might have raised a few eyebrows when Jordan was announced as the starting center, but by the end of the night, any doubts were laid to rest. The Pelicans cruised to a 126-111 victory, with Jordan playing a pivotal role.
Logging a hefty 32 minutes-more than his total for the season prior-Jordan was a force on the floor. He contributed six points, snagged 15 rebounds, and swatted away four shots. His matchup with Drummond, another seasoned NBA center, was a highlight, with Jordan ultimately taking the upper hand.
Coach James Borrego, looking to shake things up after a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, decided to give Jordan the nod. It was a decision that paid off handsomely. Borrego praised Jordan's readiness and leadership, noting how his presence inspired the younger players.
"Very proud of the group and DeAndre deserves a ton of credit," Borrego said post-game. "His leadership and impact on our program go beyond the stats."
Jordan only learned he'd be starting upon arrival at the Smoothie King Center, but he was more than ready. His performance underscored the tight-knit nature of this Pelicans squad.
Reflecting on the game, Jordan shared, "It was cool to be able to go out there and play tonight. A couple of guys had to sacrifice. It's all about the next guy, your brother, and doing whatever is going to help us get a win that night."
For the Pelicans, this game was more than just a win; it was a testament to the power of experience and teamwork.