The New Orleans Pelicans have faced a challenging start against the Portland Trail Blazers, with six out of eight quarters not going their way. Despite a weekend split, the team’s performance has raised concerns on both ends of the court. However, there’s optimism that these issues are fixable.
Offensive Struggles and the Impact of Injuries
The absence of Dejounte Murray has been a significant blow to the Pelicans’ offensive strategy. The team spent the preseason integrating Murray into their system, only for him to be sidelined by injury. This disruption has been evident in their recent games, where the offense has struggled to find rhythm and spacing.
The Pelicans’ shooting has been a major concern, with a dismal performance from beyond the arc. In their recent loss to the Trail Blazers, they shot just 27.6% from three-point range, a stark contrast to Portland’s 40%. This disparity highlights the need for better spacing and more three-point attempts to keep up with opponents. Zion Williamson, in particular, has been affected by the lack of spacing, often finding himself crowded in the paint. To counter this, Williamson might need to take more perimeter shots to stretch the defense.
Defensive Challenges and Rebounding Issues
Defensively, the Pelicans have struggled to contain dribble penetration, leading to easy scores for opponents. This issue has been compounded by a lack of defensive rebounding, which has allowed teams like the Trail Blazers to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Pelicans’ defensive identity, once a strength, has been compromised by these lapses.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. The team has shown in the past that they can excel defensively, and with the right adjustments, they can regain their form. The return of Murray, known for his defensive prowess, could be pivotal in shoring up their defense.
The Pelicans’ current struggles are not insurmountable. With a focus on improving their shooting and defensive efforts, they have the potential to turn their season around. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ strategies and challenges, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- The importance of three-point shooting for the Pelicans
- Zion Williamson’s role in the team’s offensive strategy
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ defensive rebounding issues
- The impact of Dejounte Murray’s absence on team dynamics
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Pelicans
