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'Best' and 'Worst' awards: Sixers vs. Pelicans

My look at some of the best and worst performances and happenings from the New Orleans Pelicans’ 135-98 victory over the Sixers.

NEW ORLEANS – My look at some of the best and worst performances and happenings from the New Orleans Pelicans' 135-98 victory over the Sixers on Saturday at the New Orleans Arena:

Best performance: I had to go with Ryan Anderson for his stellar season debut. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward made 6 of 10 three-pointers en route to finishing with 26 points in a reserve role. He was inactive the first nine games with a broken toe. Anderson didn't waste time against the Sixers. He made his first four shots en route to scoring 10 first-quarter points.

Worst performance:  Evan Turner couldn't avoid receiving this award The Sixers swingman had his worst performance of the season by scoring four points on 2-for-11 shooting. Saturday's game marked the first time he failed to score in double figures this season. Turner came into the contest averaging 23.4 points per game.

Best defensive performance: Anthony Davis gets this award. The Pelicans power forward had a game-high eight blocked shots to go with 13 points, nine rebounds and two steals. His five blocks in the first quarter tied a franchise record for blocks in a quarter.

Best performance in a losing effort:  I guess I'll give this to Darius Morris even though 12 of his team-high 20 points came in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss.  But no one else deserves this award.  Give Morris credit. He was aggressive while making 6 of 9 shots.

Worst statistic: You have to give this to the Sixers' first-half three-pointer shooting. They shot 3-for-13 (23.1 percent) from the beyond the arc before intermission.

Best statistic: This award goes to the Pelicans' 16 blocked shots. Sixers coach Brett Brown was right. The game was similar to a volleyball match.

Worst of the Worst:  The Sixers defense. They were being schooled by the Pelicans. Things were so bad that, at times if looked New Orleans was playing five against two. The Pelicans shot 60.5 percent while doing whatever they wanted.

- Keith Pompey

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers