PORTLAND, Ore. – The New Orleans Pelicans are off to a 2-0 start for the third straight season. Now, they can open a season with three victories for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
It’s still early, but the Pelicans are starting to build a template for what it will take for them to be successful this season.
So far, Brandon Ingram has been every bit the player that was described as “dominant” during training camp. B.I. is averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game and taking 7.0 three-point attempts. In the second half of games is when Ingram has been at his best. He’s shooting 72.2 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from beyond the arc after the break, while posting a +/- of 9.5.
CJ McCollum continues to set the tone from long distance, leading the Pelicans in three point makes (9) and attempts (20). McCollum has taken exceptional care of the basketball, with one turnover after two games.
Zion Williamson struggled to find his shot during his season debut, but “Point Zion” did a great job of running the offense for extended stretches in the second half against Portland, collecting six of his seven assists. Williamson was active on the boards and as a shot blocker, building on the strong close he had to last season on that end of the floor.
The injuries to Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy are setbacks, but the Pelicans should be able to lean into the familiarity between the Big 3 while carving out bigger roles for the bench.
New Orleans is playing fast, ranking sixth in pace (105.00) so far. They take good care of the basketball and get to the free throw line with regularity.
And the Pelicans are not ready to surrender their reputation as an elite defensive team. Through two games, only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors have posted better defensive ratings than New Orleans (101.9).
There are areas that need improvement. The Pelicans still have a long way to go if they want to average 40 three-point attempts per game, and they need to improve their shooting from the free throw line. But after two games, the good has far outweighed the bad.
What’s Worked For the Pelicans
Swat Team: The Pelicans have allowed 51.0 points in the paint per game, which isn’t surprising, considering their height deficiency. However, they have 18 blocked shots, tied for second in the NBA. That is very surprising.
New Orleans blocked four shots in the fourth quarter of Friday night’s win, including the potential game-tying shot by Anfernee Simons. While Yves Missi (5) and Daniel Theis (3) have led the way, eight players have at least one blocked shot.
When the Pelicans can play solid point-of-attack defense, they create opportunities for their “not-so-bigs” to react from the weak side. New Orleans understands it isn’t getting any taller, so attacking the basketball from every angle
The Closers: Last season the New Orleans Pelicans were 0-for-24 when they trailed entering the fourth quarter. Down nine with 12 minutes remaining on Friday, the Pelicans outscored the Blazers 30-19 to end that horrible streak.
New Orleans took care of the little things, handing out nine assists on 11 baskets while committing only one turnover. The Pelicans made all five of their free throws and collected 13 rebounds. Most impressively, they posted an offensive rating of 130.4, a defensive rating of 79.2, and a net rating of 51.3 down the stretch.
The numbers weren’t as good in the final five minutes, so the Pelicans must improve. However, Friday’s win was a big step in the right direction.
“That’s something that we’ve paid attention to and we’re going to continue to work at it,” New Orleans head coach Willie Green said. “Dejounte (Murray) is definitely going to help us when he gets back, but our guys understand in clutch situations, no turnovers, get quality looks, we’ve got to finish possessions defensively rebounding the ball and we did that.”
Backups step up: The Pelicans have said their depth will have to be a factor for them to be contenders in the Western Conference, and so far they’ve gotten excellent production from the bench.
After two games, New Orleans’ reserves have outscored their counterparts 78-61. Jordan Hawkins (18.5 pts, 6.0 reb) and Yves Missi (10.0 pts, 6.5 rebs, 2.5 blk) have been standouts, and Javonte Green has quickly become a fan favorite for his hustle and athleticism.
Road Warriors: The Pelicans set a franchise record with 28 road wins last season and have a seven-game winning streak on the road dating back to last season. The last time the Pelicans lost a road game was March 21 against the Orlando Magic. They’ve also won six in a row in Portland.
A win on Sunday would ensure the Pelicans earn at least a split on their current, four-game West Coast swing. They haven’t finished with a losing record on a road trip since dropping two of three from December 2 – December 7, 2023.
With the Golden State Warriors next on the schedule, it would be great if the Pelicans had a couple of road victories in their pocket before heading to The Bay.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Portland Trail Blazers |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Anfernee Simons |
| G – Herb Jones | G – Jerami Grant |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Toumani Camara |
| F – Zion Williamson | F – Deni Avdija |
| C – Daniel Theis | C – DeAndre Ayton |
Injuries
Portland Trail Blazers: Robert Williams III (hamstring) is day-to-day. Shaedon Sharpe (left shoulder) and Matisse Thybulle (knee) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (hamstring strain) and Dejounte Murray (left-hand fracture) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (2-0) vs Portland Trail Blazers (0-2)
Season Series:
- Oct. 25: Pelicans def. Trail Blazers, 105-103
- Oct. 27: Pelicans @ Trail Blazers
- Nov. 4: Trail Blazers vs Pelicans
- Jan. 8: Trail Blazers vs Pelicans
Series History: The Pelicans are 39-37 vs. the Portland Trail Blazers and have won seven in a row against Portland, including six straight at the Moda Center.
Where: Moda Center
When: Oct. 27, 5:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Pelicans+/GCSEN
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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