CLEVELAND – The New Orleans Pelicans continue to have a problem sustaining momentum. Their modest, four-game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Tuesday night as they squandered a 24-point lead on their way to a 113-115 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
New Orleans remains one of the NBA’s worst teams in clutch time, with five wins in 11 games (1-3 over their last four).
One of the biggest reasons for the Pelicans’ late-game failures is the collapse of the offense down the stretch. The Pels have posted an offensive rating of 93.1 in clutch situations, third-worst in the NBA. Turnovers skyrocket in the final five minutes, jumping to 20.7% (30th) compared to 13.5% overall (17th). Even though they maintain their pace, it simply becomes a quagmire on the offensive end.
Only four players on the roster have been a net positive late; CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Trey Murphy III, and Zion Williamson. McCollum and Murphy haven’t gotten many opportunities, so the Pelicans should improve as they play more games.
The concern really begins with Brandon Ingram. BI ranks 9th on the Pelicans in clutch time +/-, tied with Dyson Daniels at -1.1. Though he has attempted more three pointers in recent weeks, BI abandons the triple in tight games. When he does take them, he’s converting 16.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Against a undermanned Cavaliers lineup, and without Zion Williamson, Ingram may have the chance once again to prove that he is capable of leading the Pelicans to victory at the end of games. BI has to be one of “those guys” or he may end up looking over his shoulder to find Murphy subbing in for him.
Following tonight’s matchup, the Pelicans will return home for four straight home games. A win over the Cavs would put New Orleans above .500 on the road and set them up for a potential end-of-the-year spurt.
Two steps forward and one step backward has been an incredibly frustrating pattern for fans to watch week after week. It’s time for the Pelicans to hold their ground and keep moving forward.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Max Strus |
| G – Brandon Ingram | G – Dean Wade |
| F – Herbert Jones | F – Craig Porter Jr. |
| F – Zion Williamson | F – Isaac Okoro |
| C – Jonas Valanciunas | C – Jarrett Allen |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Larry Nance Jr. (right rib fracture), Matt Ryan (right elbow surgery), Zion Williamson (illness), and Cody Zeller (right ankle sprain) are Out.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (jaw), Ty Jerome (ankle), Donovan Mitchell (illness), Evan Mobley (knee) and Ricky Rubio (personal reasons) are Out.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (16-12) at Cleveland Cavaliers (16-12)
Season Series:
- Dec. 21: Pelicans at Cavaliers
- Mar. 13: Cavaliers at Pelicans
Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
When: Dec. 21, 6:30 PM CT
Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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READ MORE
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- Pelicans Begin 3-Game Road Trip Against Woeful Wizards
- Zion, Pelicans Can Make Some Adjustments To Max Out Their Max Player
- Pelicans Return From Vegas Hoping to Avoid Hangover Versus Timberwolves
- Don’t Be Fooled by the Smile, Brandon Ingram’s a Proven Big-Time Player
- Pelicans With Plenty to Play For and Prove Against Lakers in Semifinals
- In-Season Tournament Preview: Pelicans Get Rare Opportunity To Play With High Stakes Versus Kings
- Pelicans Look Like a Good Bet to Advance to Vegas
- Zion Williamson, Pelicans Appear Poised For Big Rise In The West
At some point, you guys are going to mention our coaching deficiencies but I am not holding my breathe.
There are definite coaching issues. We will address them in the next podcast.
Right now we sit 7th. If Willie weren’t so stubborn like his mentor we could be sitting 3rd right now. Looking forward to podcast.
Excellent. And I for one believe they are growing pains as much as, this guy will never cut it. I just wish Willie would be comfortable letting some of the defense go to rev up a high powered offense.
Oh look!! Trey plays, Pels win.
We all see that. Be nice if our HC did as well.