Heading: Pelicans Struggle to Find Their Rhythm Against Thunder’s Defense
Introduction:
The New Orleans Pelicans have been facing a tough challenge in their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a promising regular season, the Pelicans have been unable to find their rhythm and have struggled to score against the Thunder’s stifling defense. This article analyzes the factors contributing to the Pelicans’ difficulties and examines the performances of key players.
Pelicans’ Offensive Struggles:
Throughout the series, the Pelicans’ offense has been inconsistent at best, oscillating between bad and atrocious. In Game 2, they suffered a 124-92 defeat, their most lopsided loss in a playoff game since 2009. Game 3 saw them held to their fewest points in a playoff game since 2011. These offensive woes have been largely self-inflicted, with turnovers playing a significant role.
Turnovers and Lack of Confidence:
The Pelicans’ coaching staff had emphasized the importance of taking care of the ball against the Thunder, who led the league in points off turnovers during the regular season. However, the Pelicans faltered in the last two games, committing 18 and 21 turnovers in Games 2 and 3, respectively. These turnovers have provided easy scoring opportunities for the Thunder, exacerbating the Pelicans’ offensive struggles. Additionally, the team has lacked confidence in shooting open looks, further hindering their ability to generate points.
Ingram and McCollum’s Struggles:
The lack of production from Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans’ remaining stars, has added to their offensive woes. In Game 3, Ingram and McCollum combined for just 35 points on 14-of-36 shooting. Both players have struggled to consistently make tough shots against the Thunder’s outstanding defense. McCollum, in particular, had a dismal performance, shooting 2-of-8 on 3-pointers and committing six turnovers. His struggles have been a significant blow to the Pelicans’ perimeter scoring, resulting in stagnant half-court offense and poor spacing.
Ingram’s Ineffectiveness:
Since returning from a bone bruise in his left knee, Ingram has struggled to find his rhythm. He has been held under 20 points in all three games of the series and has struggled to assert himself offensively, especially in the first half of games. The Thunder’s Lu Dort has played outstanding defense against Ingram, making it difficult for him to get into a scoring groove. Moreover, Ingram’s playmaking has suffered, with only seven assists in three games. Without his offensive contributions and playmaking abilities, the Pelicans have struggled to generate consistent offense against the Thunder’s elite defense.
Conclusion:
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a dire situation in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pelicans’ offensive struggles, marked by turnovers and a lack of confidence, have been compounded by the underwhelming performances of key players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. With one game remaining, the Pelicans face the possibility of a disappointing end to their season. However, they will need to regroup and address their offensive issues in order to salvage some pride and avoid complete embarrassment.