By Rell Wright, Pelicans Contributor
The New Orleans Pelicans’ road struggles continued Monday night as they fell 113-104 to the Toronto Raptors, marking their third consecutive loss and sinking their road record to a troubling 4-19. Despite Zion Williamson’s dominant performance, scoring 31 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half, the Pelicans couldn’t find enough offensive support.
CJ McCollum chipped in with 22 points, but the rest of the team combined for a woeful 6-of-28 from three-point range, leaving New Orleans unable to capitalize on a strong third-quarter rally.
After trailing by 16 at halftime, the Pelicans stormed back with a 35-18 third quarter, briefly taking a one-point lead. However, turnovers, missed opportunities, and a 10-2 Toronto run early in the fourth dashed their comeback hopes. Frustration boiled over when head coach Willie Green was ejected late in the game for protesting a non-call on Williamson’s drive.
The loss highlights New Orleans’ ongoing inconsistency, particularly on the road, where their shooting and defensive lapses have repeatedly cost them. With Dallas coming to town on Wednesday, the Pelicans must regroup quickly to halt their slide and revive their playoff aspirations.
