The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a crushing defeat Friday night, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 134-93 in a game that laid bare the team’s glaring struggles. Without Zion Williamson, sidelined due to a bruised lower back, the Pelicans lacked both energy and execution, exposing a roster devoid of cohesion and leadership.
C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with a modest 15 points, but his effort was far from enough to overcome Minnesota’s balanced attack, which saw Julius Randle tally 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Timberwolves dominated every facet of the game, including a decisive 20-4 edge in second-chance points—an area where New Orleans typically excels.
Under head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans appear to have lost their way entirely. The team has spiraled into disarray, with defensive lapses, lackluster effort, and questionable in-game adjustments becoming all too common.
Friday’s humiliation marked the largest margin of defeat this season, underscoring the Pelicans’ steady decline. With Green at the helm, the team seems bereft of inspiration, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he remains in his role beyond this season.
The accountability issues and lack of direction on display suggest a change in leadership is not just likely but necessary to salvage any hope for the future.
