The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a late-game collapse, falling 128-118 to the Orlando Magic. This game had some major bright spots: Jordan Poole finally came backwho scored 23 points after being in the worst part of his Pelicans career. Yves Missi And Karlo Matkovic killed it off the bench too. Jeremiah fears’ decision making seemed on point. Derik Queen and Trey Murphy IIIs chemistry continues to rise.
Despite all the positives, there was one clear negative that was a major contributor down the stretch and ultimately led to Orlando’s 24-8 run to close the game. This team has too many mouths to feed. For every team in the NBA to run a fluid, successful offense, you need one or two players who are the de facto decision makers and shot takers.
In the case of the Pelicans, they have four players they want to work with in closeout situations, and that has been an issue all season.
Talent versus fitness
When fully healthy this season (excluding Dejounte Murray), the Pelicans have several late-game creators: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. But having so many options can backfire. New Orleans’ late-game offense is stagnant, as the ball is often passed around the perimeter without anyone attacking until the shot clock forces rash decisions. These situations lead to bad shots or turnovers down the stretch.
To me, this is another reason why I think it’s time for the franchise to part ways with Zion Williamson. If you remove Williamson and his inability to spread the floor even slightly and replace him with an off-ball floor spacer, I think the Pels come out victorious in this game. Let’s just say this was the case and New Orleans still lost this game. For the long-term prospects of this team, I would still much rather see one of Murphy III, Fears or Queen get the late game touches that Z did.
Game planning in opposition defense is also so easy when Williamson has the ball in hand. All the opponent has to do is pack the paint because you know the jumper is not a threat. It gets even easier when you’re a team like the Orlando Magic, who have an elite defensive staff (11th in defensive rating entering this game) and have built an entire identity on that side of the ball.
Zion Williamson is a damn good player, as evidenced by his average and the production he showed tonight, contributing 22 points on 64 percent from the field. That said, with each loss we see that despite his talents, he doesn’t fit into the other long-term pieces of the team.
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