The New Orleans Pelicans failed to bounce back, dropping their second straight game to the Phoenix Suns, 123–114. After Phoenix’s size and elite shooting from beyond the arc stunned the Pels the night before, the same story repeated itself again. New Orleans gave up 30 second-chance points and was outrebounded by 12, while also losing the battle in both three-point attempts and goals.
After Mark Williams dominated the Pelicans on both ends the night before, it was Oso Ighodaro starting in his place who really set the tone on both sides in this game. The second-year Marquette product finished with eight points and 10 rebounds on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field.
Despite not starting, Williams was subsequently sent off an exchange with Jose Alvaradowhich was also thrown away. The two exchanged pushes after Williams set a screen that Alvarado objected to, and things only got more intense from there, with both players being thrown off at the end of the third quarter.
These two games against the Suns, who have been a legitimate playoff team this season, serve as a prime example of the apparent gap between where the Pelicans stand and the Western Conference elites.
Silver lining: Zion’s rising value
Despite losing their third straight game, the obvious positive is that Zion Williamson’s trade value is clearly on the rise.
Williamson had 22 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks while shooting an impressive 72.7 percent from the floor. This is his fourth game in the last five in which he has scored 22 or more points on 60 percent shooting or better.
Since returning from a kidnapper injury against Chicago almost two weeks ago, it has been that way unstoppable downhill attack and ending at the basket. He also continues to prove that he is an ultimate team player by fully embracing a new role as the team’s sixth man.
The Pelicans’ hopes of reaching the play-in tournament dwindle with each loss; the likelihood of a sell-off at the trade deadline looks more attractive. This makes it critical that Williamson one stays healthy and two continues to play at the elite level he’s been playing at lately. If he does, there will be no shortage of teams lining up to land the former No. 1 pick.
While a lack of size and execution doomed the Pelicans in this game, it served as a stark reminder of why the focus should be on the future rather than the present.
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