Davis criticises Pelicans mates, says they don´t play hard all the time

Anthony Davis criticised the New Orleans Pelicans for a lack of effort as their struggles continue in the NBA.

The Pelicans slumped to 10-21 after a 104-89 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday and despite good performances from Davis.

“We just don’t play hard all the time,” Davis said, via The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“That starts with our first unit coming out and setting the pace and setting the tone for the rest of the game and setting the tone for the guys that sub in especially after half-time.

“That’s kind of been our thing this year. It starts with the first unit, and it starts with me.”

Davis said turnovers and poor starts to second halves were proving costly for the Pelicans, who take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

“It was frustration with the game,” he said.

“We’re coming out the third quarter and we’re not playing hard. They are doing everything they want and we’re turning the ball over. We were down four then we were down 10.

“It was just frustration with us not playing hard, including myself.”