The New Orleans Pelicans are facing turbulent seas in their NBA season journey, spelling trouble for a team once brimming with potential. Their latest slip against the Toronto Raptors, a 119-93 loss at home, marks their sixth consecutive defeat, leaving the team grappling with a dismal 4-15 record in the Western Conference.
Injuries have plagued the Pelicans, with key players Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado all sidelined. Meanwhile, they saw the return of Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum. Murray made his comeback after missing 17 games due to a fractured hand, while McCollum returned following a 13-game absence. Despite this boost, the team struggled to find cohesion on the court.
Troubles on Home Turf
For Toronto, the victory against the Pelicans was a significant milestone — their first road win in 11 attempts this season. The Raptors set a season-high with an impressive 21 three-pointers, showcasing a shooting clinic that the Pelicans could not counter.
Pelicans head coach Willie Green did not hold back his disappointment, sharing, "We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft. That can't happen." His concerns are mirrored by the players. Dejounte Murray bluntly stated, "If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem.” His frustration was palpable, considering the expectations the team had at the season's start.
Struggles with Consistency
The Pelicans' consistent lineup fluctuations have been a narrative this season. Murray acknowledged the challenge, noting, "When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough. But I think it's not tough to compete.” Unfortunately, competing has been the very crux of their struggles — something that CJ McCollum alluded to when he mentioned, "Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier."
The sporadic assembly of their starting lineup has hampered the team's ability to build chemistry and resilience. The Pelicans are certainly not short of talent, but the disconnect has been evident on the court. "Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult," said McCollum, highlighting the stark reality facing the Pelicans' defense.
Looking for Answers
The Pelicans have 63 games left in their season, enough time to rewrite their story. The urgency in Dejounte Murray's words reverberates through the locker room: "As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened." It's not just about resilience; it's about taking the lessons from each loss and crafting them into a turnaround narrative.
On the horizon is their match against the Memphis Grizzlies, presenting another opportunity to alter course. The road will not be easy, but the journey is still young. Coach Green's call for resilience and competitiveness echoes loudly, a rallying cry for a team in desperate need of identity and impact.
The Pelicans must heed the underlying message from their defeats — not just learning from each loss but applying those lessons to salvage a season teetering on the brink. With their cards on the table, the path forward lies in their hands, shaped by their responses to adversity and the resolve they cultivate in the face of daunting challenges.