Pelicans' Struggles Amplified in Another Home Defeat
Pelicans' Struggles Amplified in Another Home Defeat
The New Orleans Pelicans’ enduring season of frustration was further compounded on Wednesday night when they fell to the Toronto Raptors with a staggering 119-93 loss. For a team that started the NBA season with soaring optimism, winning its first two games with Zion Williamson and fellow starters setting the pace, it has been a rapid decline into disarray. The loss against the Raptors marks their sixth consecutive defeat and drops them to 4-15 in the Western Conference standings.
Dejounte Murray, who donned a New Orleans Pelicans jersey with high hopes, encapsulated the post-game sentiment with his candid remarks, "If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem.” The team’s recent performances have been far from the resilience and competitiveness expected from a professional basketball team, especially one seeking to solidify its position early in the season.
Injuries Take Their Toll
A significant narrative of the Pelicans' season so far has been the unyielding plague of injuries that have ravaged the roster. Murray himself only just returned from missing 17 games due to a fractured hand he sustained during the season opener against Chicago. CJ McCollum, another key player, had made his return only one game earlier, coming back after a 13-game absence. Yet, with Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado all sidelined, the team struggles to find consistency or rhythm.
"When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough," Murray reflected. Despite these hurdles, he asserted, "But I think it's not tough to compete.” This ethos of unwavering competitiveness seems aspirational for a Pelicans team desperately seeking stability.
Raptors’ Triumph Over Dysfunctional Pelicans
The Raptors’ victory, their first road win in 11 attempts this season, was punctuated by an unexpected triumph from beyond the arc. Heading into the match, Toronto languished at the bottom of the league in 3-pointers made per game. Contrary to this norm, they sunk 21 three-pointers against the Pelicans, a season-high that left CJ McCollum pondering how a last-place team could execute such a feat. "Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult," McCollum stated, highlighting the glaring defensive gaps exploited by the Raptors.
The home crowd, expectant and hopeful for a turnaround performance, expressed their dissatisfaction vocally. "Like, even the fans booing -- I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money?" remarked Murray. Fans, he acknowledged, "deserve a better game."
A Look at the Broader Challenges
Pelicans head coach Willie Green did not shy away from addressing the root of the issue. "We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft," he stated, a blunt acknowledgment of a lack of grit and competitiveness. His message to the team was clear: "That can't happen." Green understands that the luxury of time is not on their side. With 63 games remaining in the season, the window for course correction is narrowing.
"As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened," Murray urged, emphasizing the dangers of allowing such performances to set a negative tone moving forward.
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
For McCollum, the challenge extends beyond mere gameplay. The struggle is holistic, impacting the ability to establish a coherent rhythm as players constantly rotate in and out of the lineup. "Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier," McCollum mused, acknowledging the uphill battle the team faces as they prepare to head to Memphis for their next contest. The Pelicans will get some respite with a part of Thursday off to spend with family before focusing on their upcoming game against the Grizzlies.
With so much season left to play, the Pelicans have opportunities to right the ship. However, it will require a concerted effort from every player and coach to regain their footing in the Western Conference. The anticipation builds around when the Pelicans will finally find their stride or succumb to a struggle that has claimed many teams before them.
