The New Orleans Pelicans are staring at a dismal chapter in their season after enduring a blowout defeat to the Toronto Raptors, 119-93. This recent loss marks their sixth consecutive defeat in a challenging stretch plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The Pelicans now find themselves at a staggering 4-15 in the Western Conference standings, a position that underscores the urgency head coach Willie Green and his team are facing as the season progresses.
Injuries have significantly affected the Pelicans' lineup, creating a revolving door of absences. Stars like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado are sidelined, leaving the team shorthanded. Despite the return of Dejounte Murray, after a 17-game absence due to a fractured hand, and CJ McCollum, following his 13-game hiatus, the Pelicans have struggled to reclaim their footing.
Murray's Frustration
Dejounte Murray didn't mince words when expressing his frustration after the game. "If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem,” he said, underscoring the disillusionment permeating through the roster. With a team so accustomed to competing at high levels, the recent string of losses has been particularly jarring. "When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough. But I think it's not tough to compete," Murray added, stressing a competitive spirit regardless of the adversities they face.
The atmosphere in the Pelicans' arena mirrored their on-court struggles, as fans audibly expressed their displeasure. "Like, even the fans booing — I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money?" Murray reflected, empathizing with the supporters' frustration.
McCollum's Insight
CJ McCollum, who recently returned to the lineup, echoed the sentiments of his teammates, focusing on the team's defensive inadequacies. "Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult," McCollum commented regarding the Raptors' impressive shooting performance, which saw them hit a season-high of 21 three-pointers.
The Pelicans allowed the Raptors to secure their first road win in 11 attempts, a stark revelation of the defensive lapses that have become all too common for New Orleans. The Pelicans' struggles to close out on shooters and bolster their defense have been evident, and McCollum's insights point to a need for immediate adjustments.
A Call for Resilience
Head coach Willie Green did not shy away from addressing the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for resilience. "We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft. That can't happen," Green remarked, signaling a demand for toughness and a competitive edge from his players.
As the Pelicans prepare for their next test against the Memphis Grizzlies, the pressure is mounting. "As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened," Murray declared, stressing the importance of reflection and preparation for the challenges ahead.
With 63 games remaining in the season, time and opportunities still exist for the Pelicans to recalibrate and regain momentum. However, CJ McCollum's candid reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the situation's gravity: "Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier."
For the New Orleans Pelicans, turning the page on this tough stretch of losses will require more than just the return of injured stars—it will demand a collective resolve and an unwavering commitment to competitiveness and resilience in the face of adversity.
