The New Orleans Pelicans opened the 2025-2026 season with a disappointing 128-122 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. A huge 41-22 third quarter gave Memphis an eight-point lead entering the fourth quarter, and despite the Pelicans fighting back and tying the game at one point, they struggled to get into the clutch offensively.
The clutch is where they should have trusted Jordan Poole with the ball; Whether he has 30 points or 0/10, he is built to perform in the big moments. Last night he had a great start with 15 points in the first half, but went to 0/4 in the third quarter. I understand there may have been some hesitation in giving him the ball, but this is no rookie; this is an experienced shot maker.
There is absolutely no reason for him to attempt just one shot in the fourth quarter, and going forward, Willie Green needs to find ways to get him the ball and get him back on the offense. The big draw for JP as a player is the ability to make shots from beyond the arc and get into his own offense in any situation, two things this team needed in the fourth.
The technical staff must not let this become the norm.
It’s only the first game of the season so there’s no reason to panic about Poole’s lack of involvement in the clutch, but it can’t become a trend. With the way the Pelicans roster is constructed, they have the potential to be a gritty playoff team that is competitive every night.
That makes for tight games that can come down to the last two to three possessions, and if they want positive results in those situations, they need to get JP the ball. Whether he comes up big or lets the team down, at least you know they’re giving it to the person who gave them the best chance to win.
New Orleans’ next game is scheduled for Friday night at home against its Southwest Division rival, the San Antonio Spurs. This game is about the battle between two former #1 players, Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama, but more importantly, it pits two ambitious playoff teams against each other.
Close games are expected in these types of games, and if so, the Pelicans coaching staff must avoid repeating the mistakes they made on opening night against the Grizzlies.
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