In a season marred by disappointments and setbacks, the New Orleans Pelicans found themselves reeling from yet another blow after succumbing to the Toronto Raptors with a score of 119-93. This marks their sixth consecutive loss, amplifying the growing chorus of frustrations within the locker room and amongst the fan base.
Currently parked at 4-15 in the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans' struggles are starkly apparent, as highlighted by recent performances. A notable factor contributing to this plight is their growing list of injuries. Key players including Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado are all sidelined, cranking up the pressure on the available roster.
In an effort to salvage their campaign, the Pelicans welcomed back Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum. Murray recently returned to the court after a 17-game absence due to a fractured hand, while McCollum was back in action following a 13-game hiatus. Despite their return, the Pelicans struggled to keep pace with a revitalized Raptors squad, which recorded its first road win in 11 attempts this season, buoyed by a season-high 21 three-pointers.
The loss not only frustrated the fans but also the players, as echoed in Dejounte Murray’s somber yet candid remarks. "If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem," stated Murray. He underscored the pressing need for the team to reassess their performance and regain a sense of competitive drive, even amid the fluctuating lineup due to injuries. "When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough. But I think it's not tough to compete,” he added, pointing to a deeper issue beyond the physical absence of key players.
CJ McCollum offered his perspective after the game, noting the defensive lapses that allowed the Raptors to flourish from beyond the arc. "Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult," he observed. McCollum’s statement aptly captures the essence of a defense that seemed overwhelmed and underprepared for the Raptors’ long-range barrage.
Head coach Willie Green did not mince words in his assessment of the team's performance. “We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft. That can't happen,” Green remarked. His comments underscore the urgency for the Pelicans to not only address tactical weaknesses but also to foster a resilience that has been conspicuously absent.
For the dedicated fans, the performance was particularly disheartening. As Murray vividly articulated, "Like, even the fans booing -- I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money?" It's a sentiment that echoes around the league when expectations aren’t met, and the home crowd's patience further wanes with each defeat.
Looking ahead, Dejounte Murray set a tone of urgency that resonates well with the task that lies ahead. “As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened,” he stated. His resolve reflects a realization that time is, indeed, of the essence. With 63 games remaining, the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of this season has yet to be fully squandered. “Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier," McCollum aptly summarized.
The Pelicans will need to find a way to navigate the challenges they face as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. It's a challenge that demands more than personnel recovery—it calls for rekindling the spirit of competitiveness and rediscovering the resilience needed to halt their downward spiral.