The New Orleans Pelicans' challenging season took another hit on Sunday evening as they lost to the Denver Nuggets, 132-129, after overtime. This defeat marks the Pelicans' seventh straight loss, deepening their struggles as they now sit 20 games under .500.
The game was filled with tension and excitement, particularly during the closing moments of the fourth quarter. CJ McCollum hit a clutch three-pointer to put the Pelicans ahead, but Jamal Murray quickly responded, tying the game with his mid-range jumper. The Nuggets managed to hold onto their narrow lead for much of the overtime period, demonstrating resilience even when Murray split free throws late. Denver executed strategy well, intentionally fouling to prevent New Orleans from getting off any potential game-tying three-point attempts.
Despite the loss, there were silver linings for the Pelicans, prominently featuring rookie center Yves Missi. Drafted 21st overall this year, Missi had been seen as somewhat raw due to his limited basketball experience, having started playing at the age of 16. Now thrusts of necessity to defend against some of the league's best, he held his own against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. "It's like a dream come true playing these guys," Missi said, reflecting on the matchup. "It's always good having to go coast to coast against them. It's a beautiful opportunity I have." His performance against Jokic showcased his growth, contributing 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
McCollum's late-game heroics were pivotal, yet the Pelicans faced challenges as they struggled against the Nuggets' defense. Trey Murphy, who has made significant contributions as of late, stepped up before leaving the game due to injury. This season, Murphy switched from his sixth-man role to becoming a starter after Brandon Ingram's injury. Before exiting, Murphy scored 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, showing he was a force on the court.
Another player worth noting was Jordan Hawkins, who appeared to find his rhythm. Off the bench, he poured in 25 points, bringing his three-point shooting prowess to the forefront with five successful shots out of 13 attempts. Hawkins' ability to increase the Pelicans' three-point volume has been instrumental, particularly when the team has struggled to find offensive flow.
The Pelicans, showing promise through their young talents, still succumbed to mistakes at the game’s crunch time. Key turnovers, including one notable miscommunication leading to a turnover with only minutes left, hindered their chances of evening the score. New Orleans failed to capitalize on their possessions, opting not to use timeouts wisely when facing tight situations. Their decision-making led to low-percentage shots, underscoring the need for improved execution under pressure.
Statistically, the game revealed some glaring contrasts. Denver out-rebounded New Orleans, 54-43—an improvement for them since their prior matchup. The Nuggets also found significant success within the paint, scoring 70 points there, which was clearly beneficial for their strategy. On the flip side, New Orleans had to manage their turnover count, finishing with 15 compared to Denver's 22.
The Pelicans have endured quite the change during this season, transitioning from promising pre-season expectations to facing the harsh reality of needing to rebuild their confidence. After this latest setback, the focus will shift toward how the team can learn from these experiences and work toward breaking this current streak. The Nuggets walked away triumphant, now holding their heads high at 15-11 for the season, yet the spotlight continues to shine on the Pelicans and their quest for improvement.
With the challenges presented by highly competitive teams like the Nuggets, New Orleans fans and the organization alike are left wondering how soon the Pelicans can find their rhythm again. The season is far from over, and there’s hope yet for the team to regain its footing and build momentum moving forward.
