In a dispiriting night for the New Orleans Pelicans and their fans, the team succumbed to another defeat, this time at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, by a staggering 119-93 scoreline. This latest defeat marks the sixth consecutive loss for the Pelicans, underlining a troubling slide in the Western Conference, where they currently hold a 4-15 record.
In the face of mounting adversity, the Pelicans are struggling with critical absences. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado are all sidelined due to injuries, leaving the team significantly undermanned. However, the return of Dejounte Murray, who was out following a fractured hand, and CJ McCollum’s comeback after a 13-game absence, was expected to inject much-needed vigor into the squad. Yet, the integration of these key players has been far from seamless.
Following the game, tensions were palpable in the locker room. Dejounte Murray voiced a sentiment that likely echoes the feelings of many within the organization and the fanbase. "If you're not embarrassed and really mad about this, that's a problem,” Murray stated candidly. Highlighting the struggle to maintain competitiveness amidst constant lineup changes, he added, "When you've got guys in, guys out, it's really tough. But I think it's not tough to compete.”
The Raptors, meanwhile, found their stride with this matchup, achieving their first road win in 11 attempts this season. Their performance was bolstered by a superb showing from beyond the arc, making 21 three-pointers and reaching a season-high in this category. For the Pelicans’ head coach, Willie Green, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Reflecting on his team's performance he said, "We allowed a team to come on our home floor and really make us look soft. That can't happen." His call for resilience and grit echoed across the press room, a clear signal of the standards he expects from his players.
CJ McCollum, a seasoned voice in the locker room, had his own perspective on the defeat and the team's current issues. "Either they got better overnight, or we've got to do a better job closing out and making it more difficult," he remarked, alluding to the glaring defensive lapses that plagued the Pelicans throughout the game. His frustration further highlighted the urgency the team faces as they look to regroup. "Time is ticking. And it isn't getting any easier," he noted grimly, a nod to the limited window the Pelicans have to turn around their season.
The restlessness among the fanbase surfaced on the night, with sporadic boos audible throughout the Smoothie King Center. Murray empathized with the fans' frustration, commenting, "Like, even the fans booing -- I mean, what would you do if you was a fan paying your money?" These remarks underline a shared belief that the team owes its supporters a more compelling and competitive performance.
Despite the challenges looming ahead, the Pelicans are not without opportunity. With 63 games still left to play in the season, there is time to recalibrate and renew their quest for success. The immediate task at hand is an approaching face-off with the Memphis Grizzlies, a matchup that promises to test the Pelicans’ mettle against a formidable foe.
As the team prepares to regroup, Murray summarized the mindset needed to move forward: "As soon as we get on that plane, we got to lock in to understanding what just happened." This introspective approach, coupled with strategic adjustments, will be essential for the Pelicans if they aim to reverse their fortunes and restore faith among their followers, both in the stands and beyond.