The Pelicans dropped their fourth game in the last five contests on Wednesday, losing in overtime against the Mavericks, 127-123.
The Good: The effort
The frustrating and encouraging aspect of Wednesday’s loss to Dallas was the effort showcased by the Pelicans. On one hand, New Orleans fought and clawed on the road against a Western Conference playoff team and forced them into overtime.
But it makes Tuesday’s loss at home to the lowly Timberwolves all the more frustrating. Wednesday’s loss would be a bit easier to stomach if it was offset by a win on Tuesday. Instead, the Pelicans dropped both games and now sit five games back of the Grizzlies in the eighth seed with 20 games to go.
Honorable Mentions: Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday’s defense, Nicolo Melli’s clutch shot
The Bad: Late-game execution
Again and again and again this season, the Pelicans have let games get away down the stretch. On Wednesday, New Orleans was really bailed out by a miraculous Nicolo Melli three-pointer over Kristaps Porzingis’ contest to force overtime. Outside of that shot, the Pelicans could not create a good look on offense either late in the fourth quarter or overtime and couldn’t get stops when it was absolutely necessary.
Honorable Mentions: Jrue Holiday being crossed over multiple times by Luka Doncic, Defense on Seth Curry
The Ball: Staying hot
Lonzo Ball stayed red hot after a career-best shooting night on Tuesday. His seven three-pointers on Wednesday matched both his output against the Timberwolves and again matched his career-high for the second time in roughly a 24-hour span.
Ball finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while hitting 7-of-11 from range. Over the last two games, Ball has shot 14-of-21 from three, or 66.7%. Unfortunately, both efforts have come in losses.