The New Orleans Pelicans found themselves in a familiar but frustrating position Monday night, letting a late lead slip away in a 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Despite Brandon Ingram’s 24 points and a breakout performance from rookie Yves Missi, who posted career highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds, New Orleans faltered when it mattered most.
The Pelicans were ahead 105-101 after a thrilling 27-foot three-pointer and a fast-break dunk from Brandon Boston Jr., but they went cold, failing to score in the last 3:35 of the game. Cam Thomas sealed the win for the Nets with a clutch step-back three-pointer over Javonte Green, contributing 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. The defeat marked the Pelicans’ fifth consecutive loss, highlighting ongoing struggles with late-game execution.
This latest setback was particularly disappointing for the Pelicans, who had hoped to build momentum with the return of Trey Murphy III. Murphy, making his season debut after recovering from a hamstring injury, added 12 points but struggled with his shooting touch, going just 4-of-14 from the field.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s balanced offense, which saw seven players score in double figures, outshone the Pelicans from beyond the arc, with the Nets outscoring New Orleans 57-30 from deep. The loss underscored the Pelicans’ need to close out games more effectively, as they face a tough road matchup against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder next.
