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No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson wasn’t the only player on the New Orleans Pelicans that struggled on Saturday. That honor went to just about every member of the roster.
For the first time this season, Williamson failed to score in double digits after recording a season-low seven points and five rebounds in 14 minutes of playing time. He shot just 3-of-7 from the field in the 126-103 loss and missed several easy shots, ones he usually makes.
From the start of the game, the Clippers looked to be the superior team after going on a 12-2 run to open up play. The team tied a franchise record for the most 3-pointers in a half with 16 and their 32-point halftime lead was the fifth-highest in team history.
Williamson was once again held to a strict minutes count and played in 5-6 minute bursts throughout the contest. He started each of the first three quarters of the game on the floor but sat for the entirety of the final period with the Clippers sporting a 37-point lead.
Williamson appeared to roll his ankle on one play in the second quarter after he came up limping toward the sideline, though the injury didn’t appear to be serious as he was out on the floor to begin the third quarter.
— . (@NotDubs408) August 1, 2020
The Pelicans dropped to four games behind the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth place with the loss. Perhaps even worse, there are now three teams ahead of the Pelicans as their road to qualify for the postseason took a massive hit through the first two games of the restart.
The loss by the Pelicans was concerning as they showed no urgency throughout the matchup and simply didn’t look like they wanted to be playing. The team didn’t make hustle plays, chase after loose balls and defend at a high level.
With six games left to play, the Pelicans’ margin for error is razor-thin now as they face a tough task to make up the ground needed to advance to the playoffs. Though still alive, the Pelicans will seemingly need to go on a run to have a chance.
The Pelicans play next on Monday in a key matchup vs. the Grizzlies.
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