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Pelicans’ Struggles Highlighted in Loss to Mavericks
Photo by Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Pelicans faced a significant setback with a 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a game that underscored the challenges the team is currently grappling with. This defeat was not just another mark in the loss column; it was an NBA Cup game, where point differential plays a crucial role in advancing to the knockout stages. Losing by 41 points severely impacts the Pelicans’ chances, as it essentially nullifies their tiebreaker advantage.
Star Players and Defensive Challenges
Brandon Ingram found himself in a tough spot, consistently double-teamed by the Mavericks. Despite this, he managed to score 17 points, but the lack of support from his teammates was evident. The Pelicans’ shooting percentage was below 40%, and with key players like Trey Murphy still finding their rhythm, the burden on Ingram was immense. The absence of other offensive threats allowed the Mavericks to focus their defense on Ingram, making it difficult for him to execute plays effectively.
In contrast, the Mavericks’ stars, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, faced one-on-one defenses, thanks to the presence of other threats on the court. This allowed them to exploit the Pelicans’ defensive schemes, contributing significantly to the Mavericks’ victory. The Pelicans’ defensive strategy, primarily a switching scheme, was ineffective against the Mavericks’ offensive tactics. The team struggled to adapt, and the lack of further adjustments only exacerbated the situation.
Coaching and Game Plan Adjustments
The coaching staff needs to devise strategies to help Ingram and others navigate such defensive pressures. After last season’s playoffs, Ingram reportedly sought more support from coach Willie Green to get open. This game highlighted the necessity for a robust offensive game plan to counteract double teams. The Pelicans turned the ball over 21 times, leading to 28 points for the Mavericks, a clear indication of the need for better preparation and execution.
The Pelicans’ defense also requires reevaluation. The Mavericks capitalized on mismatches and switches, with Doncic and Irving exploiting these opportunities. Although the Pelicans attempted a zone defense in the second quarter, it was not enough to turn the tide. The team needs to explore alternative defensive strategies, especially when facing teams with multiple offensive threats.
The Pelicans are in a challenging position, with injuries limiting their options. However, the coaching staff must find ways to adapt and maximize the potential of the available players. The upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers will be a test of their ability to make necessary adjustments and improve their performance.
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 streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Signing The New Orleans Pelicans have bolstered their backcourt by signing Elfrid Payton to an NBA contract. Payton, a former lottery pick, adds depth and experience to the roster. (NOLA)
Preview The Pelicans hope to give Cleveland their second loss of the season tonight. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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