The New Orleans Pelicans‘ struggles continued Monday night as they fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 124-112, marking their ninth straight loss. Despite a valiant effort from CJ McCollum, who poured in 29 points, the depleted Pelicans (4-18) couldn’t overcome their lengthy injury list, which includes stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
After showing promise in the first half, the Pelicans faltered down the stretch as Trae Young orchestrated a masterclass with 12 points and 15 assists, his 15th double-double of the season. The Hawks capitalized on New Orleans’ defensive lapses, with De’Andre Hunter scoring a team-high 22 points on his birthday and igniting Atlanta’s bench.
New Orleans showed flashes of resilience, especially after a dismal offensive outing against the Knicks on Sunday, but Atlanta’s balance and depth proved too much. Seven Hawks players finished in double figures, and a pivotal third-quarter surge, highlighted by Young’s clutch 3-pointer and Hunter’s follow-up triple, put the game out of reach.
The Pelicans’ inability to sustain momentum in the second half, a troubling trend amid their mounting losses. With Phoenix looming on Thursday, New Orleans faces a critical juncture in salvaging what has been a challenging early season.
