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The Miami Heat took time after the formation of their big three.

The Cleveland Cavaliers took time to play well, when LeBron James subsequently decided to go home. Even the Golden State Warriors had a few growing pains.

This is the message from New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry to those asking this question: Why aren't they playing better with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis in the lineup?

When New Orleans matched up with the Utah Jazz Monday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena, they did so with perhaps the two most offensively dominant big men in the NBA. But the results since the Pelicans acquired Cousins from the Sacramento via trade have been mixed. A win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night was the first with Cousins in the lineup. And there have been obvious issues with the two stars figuring out how to play together.

"Miami was 19-20 to start that first season," Gentry said. "It takes time, and it takes a big adjustment from everyone. I think everyone is trying to play the right way. I think in the first two games, everyone went overboard with the passing. That's as bad as not passing. Everyone tried so hard to fit in."

In five games with New Orleans, Cousins is averaging 23 points and 15 rebounds to go along with four assists. So, statistically, he's still himself. But the Pelicans have a lot of roster construction to do around Cousins and Davis. Specifically, New Orleans needs a lot of help at shooting guard and small forward. The Pelicans' starters against the Jazz on Monday — Hollis Thompson and Solomon Hill — combined to go scoreless on two shots in the first half.

"I think it's going to take some time," Gentry said. "I think we have eight practices left for the year. When those guys are playing 40 minutes a game, you can't have long drawn-out practices. It's a tough situation, but it's a good one to have."

Playing uphill

Jazz starting point guard George Hill missed Monday's game with toe soreness. And with Shelvin Mack missing the matchup with a sprained ankle, Dante Exum and Raul Neto played extended minutes.

Exum, the third year point guard, scored eight points and grabbed three rebounds in the first half.

Special defense

Utah held New Orleans to 34 first half points, Monday. That represented a season-low for the Pelicans in any first half.

tjones@sltrib.com Twitter: @tribjazz