Willie Green On Pelicans: 'We Need To Be Better'
New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans have lost five straight games and are tumbling down the Western Conference standings. After another disappointing third quarter from the team, Coach Willie Green flatly told reporters after the loss, "We need to be better." It's a message he's preached consistently lately, but the Pelicans have yet to put a consistent 48-minute game together.
The second and third quarters have doomed the team over the last two weeks. During the previous four of five games, New Orleans allowed 40 points or more in the second or third quarter. They've also given up at least 120 points in four of those contests. Last season, the Pelicans defense was ranked sixth in defensive efficiency, but this season, that ranking has tumbled down to No. 23 in the league.
In fairness to New Orleans, their defensive anchor Herb Jones has missed the last three games dealing with an injured fibula. Energy spark and defensive pest Jose Alvarado also has not played this season as he continues to rehab from a tibia injury. The Pelicans' issues go beyond just the defensive end.
New Orleans stars need to be more consistent on the offensive end. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson rank in the top 11 in the league in isolation attempts. Of those eleven players, they are No. 1 and No. 2 in turnover frequency. In the Pelicans' last three games, they are No. 26 in the NBA in turnovers. New Orleans cannot create quality scoring opportunities with high turnover rates from their top players.
Nov 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) is guarded by Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans have struggled with effort plays at the start of the year. Their opponents are averaging 12.5 offensive rebounds per game against New Orleans, ranking the Pels No. 28 in the league. That stat directly translates to the disparity in second-chance scoring per game, where New Orleans ranks No. 27 in second-chance differential (-2.9). The team is struggling on defense, allowing easy transition baskets and drives to the rim.
The Pelicans are not yet fully healthy. CJ McCollum recently posted on social media that he will return, providing a glimmer of hope. Trey Murphy III hasn't returned to the court after an offseason leg injury. His initial timeline was a return in late November. Guys like Matt Ryan and rookie Jordan Hawkins have shown glimpses early this season that should translate well in situations down the stretch as the team gets healthier.
New Orleans can't wait until the guys return. Energy and effort are things they can control now and something they must show if they are to break the current losing streak. Things won't get easier moving forward. They host the Mavs again on Tuesday before hosting the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Friday..
