Another game, another tough loss for the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite a career performance from rookie center Yves Missi, the Pelicans fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 124-112, on Monday night. The loss extends New Orleans’ losing streak to nine games, with little relief in sight.
The nine-game losing streak is tied for the fourth longest in franchise history and is four short of the franchise record of 13. It is also the second-longest of Willie Green’s career. The Pelicans lost 10 in a row from 1/16 to 2/4/23. They have also dropped 11 straight away from the Smoothie King Center, four shy of the franchise record for road futility.
Missi Shines in the Spotlight
If there’s been a silver lining during this disastrous start, it’s been the play of Yves Missi. The rookie had the best game of his young career, putting up 23 points and 12 rebounds while shooting an efficient 11-of-14 from the field. His energy and presence on the court gave the Pelicans a spark in a game where they needed one.
Missi became just the fifth rookie in franchise history to post at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game, joining Anthony Davis, Naji Marshall, Zion Williamson, and Chris Paul. He is the second rookie to reach those numbers in a game this season (Zach Edey).
“He’s just getting better and better,” said head coach Willie Green. “He’s been a bright spot for us, especially with all the injuries we’ve been dealing with. He works hard, and it’s showing on the court.”
Missi now leads all NBA rookies in double-doubles this season with five and continues to prove he belongs, even as the team struggles.
McCollum Does His Part
CJ McCollum also had a strong showing, leading the Pelicans with 29 points. He kept New Orleans in the game for most of the night, especially in the first half, when the Pelicans managed to take a slim 59-58 lead into the break. McCollum has been averaging 22.8 points per game since returning from injury.
Brandon Boston Jr. added 19 points off the bench, including 14 in the first half, to lead the reserves. It was Boston’s most productive performance since he scored 19 in the Pelicans’ win over the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 15.
Falling Apart Late
The game started well enough for New Orleans, with solid ball movement and better defense than in Sunday’s 33-point loss to the Knicks. The Pelicans held a narrow, 59-58 lead at halftime. But things unraveled in the second half.
Of course, no team has been worse than the Pelicans in the second half. New Orleans has an NBA-worst -18.4 net rating in the final 24 minutes of action this season.
The Hawks took control late in the third quarter, using an 11-2 run to grab a double-digit lead. From there, it was all Atlanta, as De’Andre Hunter celebrated his 27th birthday with 22 points, while Trae Young dished out 15 assists to go with his 12 points. Former Pelican Dyson Daniels added 19 points and four steals for the Hawks, who dominated the paint, outscoring New Orleans 74-54 inside.
“We just couldn’t finish,” Green admitted. “We played hard, but the little things – keeping them out of the paint, getting stops when we needed them – cost us.”
Missing Stars, Missing Wins
It’s no secret the Pelicans are shorthanded. Zion Williamson (hamstring), Brandon Ingram (calf), Herb Jones (shoulder), and several other key players were all out again Monday. Ingram hasn’t played since Nov. 22, and while he was a game-time decision, the team decided to keep him on the sidelines.
Jones was upgraded to doubtful before the game, which could mean he’s close to returning. The Pelicans desperately need the defensive boost he brings.
What’s Next?
With the loss, the Pelicans dropped to 4-18 on the season and have now lost 15 of their last 16 games. They head back to New Orleans for a two-game homestand starting Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.
It’s been a brutal stretch for the Pelicans that isn’t coming to an end anytime soon. They’ll try to regroup and snap this skid in front of their home crowd.
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