New Orleans Pelicans Struggle Continues with Sixth Consecutive Loss
In a season that has seen its fair share of struggles and setbacks, the New Orleans Pelicans faced yet another defeat, this time at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors triumphed with a commanding score of 119-93, marking the Pelicans’ sixth consecutive loss and cementing their precarious position with a 4-15 record in the Western Conference standings. Despite having 63 games left in the season, urgency and resilience are becoming more crucial for the Pelicans as the pressure mounts.
The return of key players such as Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum was anticipated to bring some much-needed stability to a team plagued by injuries. Murray, who recently came back after missing 17 games due to a fractured hand, expressed the gravity of the situation. “If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem,” he candidly stated. His words reflect the growing frustration within the roster as well as among the fan base, evidenced by the boos echoing through their home arena. “Like, even the fans booing -- I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money?” Murray added, demonstrating an understanding of the supporters’ dismay.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum’s return after a 13-game absence was expected to boost the team's competitive edge. However, McCollum was quick to highlight the team’s defensive shortcomings, saying, “Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult.” His observations come after the Raptors set their season-high by landing 21 three-pointers, leading them to their first road win in 11 attempts this season.
The return of these players was not enough to counteract the absence of other key figures. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado all remain sidelined due to injuries, worsening the Pelicans’ woes. Head coach Willie Green spoke to the need for the team to rediscover their grit and determination. “We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft. That can't happen,” Green remarked, pointing to a deeper call to action beyond just personnel changes.
Murray also touched on the challenges the team faces with fluctuating lineups. “When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough. But I think it's not tough to compete,” he said. The sentiment here underscores the necessity for the team to maintain a competitive spirit irrespective of the adversities posed by shifting rosters and persistent injuries.
The Pelicans now look toward their next matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, with hopes of breaking this series of unfortunate losses. Yet, as CJ McCollum has ominously noted, “Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier.” This acknowledgment of rapidly passing opportunities underscores the critical juncture at which the Pelicans find themselves.
As the team prepares for its journey, Murray sums up the essential mindset moving forward: “As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened.” For the Pelicans, a recalibration of strategy, mentality, and resolve seems necessary if they aspire to climb back into a competitive position within the conference.