The New Orleans Pelicans’ recent losses to the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have highlighted ongoing issues with the team’s performance in clutch situations. Despite showing improvements in certain areas, the Pelicans continue to struggle with closing out games and making necessary adjustments when faced with adversity.
In the game against the Nuggets, CJ McCollum’s decision-making in crucial moments came under scrutiny. With nine seconds left in regulation, McCollum airballed a contested three-pointer over two defenders. While the play call and Denver’s defense contributed to the situation, it was in overtime where McCollum’s shot selection became more questionable. With 19 seconds remaining, he opted for a contested mid-range fallaway jumper in transition, a decision that proved costly.
These late-game struggles underscore a larger problem for the Pelicans. The team was expected to improve in clutch situations this season, particularly after acquiring Dejounte Murray. However, the same issues persist, reflecting a lack of clear hierarchy and game plan in critical moments.
The Pelicans’ defense has shown signs of improvement, particularly in forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Against the Nuggets, they forced 22 turnovers, leading to 23 points in transition. This aggressive defensive approach allowed them to build leads in both recent games.
However, the team’s inability to maintain these advantages throughout the game is concerning. In the Knicks game, Jalen Brunson exploded for 29 points in the second half after a quiet first half, and the Pelicans failed to adjust their defensive strategy. Similarly, against the Nuggets, they couldn’t contain Nikola Jokic when he got hot late in the game.
This lack of in-game adjustments, both offensively and defensively, has been a recurring theme under Willie Green’s leadership. The team’s reluctance to deviate from their standard switching scheme or implement more aggressive defensive tactics against hot opponents has cost them in close games.
While the Pelicans are struggling without key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, their current performance suggests deeper issues that go beyond missing star power. The team’s inability to close out games they should win and their tendency to suffer blowout losses indicate problems that need addressing at both the player and coaching levels.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ recent performances, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Trey Murphy’s impressive offensive growth and versatility
• Yves Missi’s surprising impact as a rookie
• Dejounte Murray’s role and recent improvements
