Are the Pelicans Getting Willie Green's 'Confidence' Message?
Coach Green's "the rest will happen" message didn't resonate with his 30-32 Pelicans team versus Orlando in the 101-93 loss at home.
Monday's heart-breaker was New Orleans' fourth straight defeat which raises an alarm for a talented squad who's not delivering down the stretch of contests.
Feb 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green directs traffic on the court as guard CJ McCollum (3) brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
"We had a good talk in shoot around. The big takeaway from that is that we have to play harder and compete, and they did that," Willie Green noted in his postgame comments. "The rest will happen if we keep playing like that, and I'm confident in what we can do. We have to make some shots. We are getting open looks, and we are not knocking them down. That's the confidence factor, so we'll get there."
The turnovers, subpar bench production, and surrendering second-chance points to opponents are plaguing the Pelicans.
"We're a young team, and we're going through a lot of injuries," CJ McCollum told reporters. "I don't think I've been on a team where we've missed this many games from our starters. It's a part of our growth. I think younger players continue to grow, show maturity, and show preparation."
Feb 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) reacts to making a three point basket with forward Naji Marshall (8) and forward Herbert Jones (5) against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Besides the late offensive struggles against the Magic, the Pelicans players like Herb Jones believe the team is trending in the right direction with energy and passion.
Herb Jones cited, "I think we took a huge step in that direction, but it just didn't go our way tonight. Collectively, we thought that we took a step in the right direction but just fell short."
Coach Green's confidence hasn't swayed, "It's just a tough loss on our home floor. I thought the guys fought, and they feel awful about it, but this is a part of the NBA season. You have moments where you are just trying to find your rhythm and confidence, and that is kind of where we are."
The Pelicans must find a way to begin a winning streak in Portland to climb out of the cellar in the West. Zion Williamson isn't coming off the bench anytime soon.
The starters must create faster starts offensively and rebound better to give more second-chance opportunities. If not, it will be a long second half of the season for the Pels.
On Wednesday, New Orleans will travel to meet a familiar Western Conference foe in Portland and hope to take down the Trail Blazers and Mr. 71-Points, Damian Lillard.
Read More Pelicans Scoop Articles:
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- Willie Green Compliments Josh Hart, Now With Knicks
- CJ McCollum Career At A Crossroads
- Pelicans Face a Close, Wild Finish in the NBA West
- Handicapping the Playoff Race
- NBA Championship Formula Revisited
- Willie Green's Rotations Need More Time To Build Rhythm
- Pelicans Have 25 Games to Save Season
