The New Orleans Pelicans’ season hit another low Friday night as they fell 132-124 to the Memphis Grizzlies, extending their losing streak to nine games. Trey Murphy III led the charge with an impressive 35-point effort, while CJ McCollum chipped in 32 points.
Despite their fight, the Pelicans once again fell short, struggling to close the gap against a Memphis squad that capitalized on New Orleans’ vulnerabilities. The absence of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson loomed large, as the team fell to 0-14 without Ingram and 3-23 without Williamson this season, highlighting their reliance on these key players.
The Pelicans showed signs of resilience after their previous night’s blowout loss to Houston. Early in the third quarter, they trimmed a 22-point deficit to just eight, only to see their momentum vanish following a costly turnover by Murphy.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ensuing basket sparked an 8-0 Memphis run that effectively put the game out of reach. While New Orleans battled to stay competitive, their 28.9% shooting from beyond the arc paled compared to Memphis’ 41.5%, exposing a critical disadvantage that continues to haunt the team during this skid.
As they prepare to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, the Pelicans are desperate for answers. While Murphy’s emergence and McCollum’s leadership offer glimmers of hope, the team’s inability to close games and the persistent absence of their stars remain glaring obstacles.
To reverse their fortunes, New Orleans must find ways to stay defensively sharp, execute in high-pressure moments, and hope for the return of their sidelined stars. For now, the Pelicans remain mired in a slump that threatens to derail their season.
