The New Orleans Pelicans Are Very Much For Real

Things are getting very interesting in the übercompetitive NBA Western Conference.

But while the West is loaded with quality teams, one first-round series has really opened some eyes.

The 6th-seeded New Orleans Pelicans just completed an emphatic four-game sweep of the 3rd-seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a development that caught most pundits by surprise.

 

The small-market Pelicans don't receive much national exposure.

However, these dudes are no longer a secret.

Check out this action from the 131-123 Game 4 clincher:

 

The insanely talented Anthony Davis dropped 47 on the Blazers, while his criminally underrated partner in crime, Jrue Holiday, poured in 41 points.

That's pretty decent production from your two best players.

 

But that's not all.

The rejuvenated Rajon Rondo has once again assumed the form of Playoff Rondo and is dropping dimes like the old days, including 16 in Game 4.

And let's not forget Nikola Mirotić, who was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bulls not long after Boogie Cousins tore his Achilles in late January.

The season appeared doomed at that point, as Boogie had been balling, forming quite the frontcourt duo with the Brow.

 

In fact, the team was formally eulogized in some circles.

This has already been an historic run when you consider the fact that no team seeded this low has ever swept a first round best-of-seven.

The Pelicans will most likely be hooking up with the defending champion Warriors in the semi-finals.

They will be sizable underdogs, but an upset isn't out of the question.

New Orleans is for real.

 

And yes, they're spectacular.